Police arrest 226 suspected criminals in Abia, rescue stolen children

Abia State Police Command says it recorded a total of 142 cases of various criminal offences between January and April 2nd, 2026, leading to the arrest of 226 suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, who disclosed this in his office on Thursday while briefing journalists, said several of the cases were thoroughly investigated and charged to court, adding that some suspects were remanded in correctional centres with others undergoing prosecution.

He said that the Command investigated a total of 13 cult-related cases, arrested 23 suspects, arraigned them in court from where they were remanded in correctional custody, even as he said that 32 arms were recovered during the operations.

The Commissioner, who said that five cult-related cases are also currently under interrogation, emphasized that the efforts were part of the Command’s zero-tolerance for cultism and its commitment to peace and security across the State.

He announced that the Command has rescued several trafficked/stolen children, recovered 46 firearms of various specifications, 16 rounds of ammunition/cartridges, and dismantled criminal networks operating within the State.

“These sustained operational efforts have contributed significantly to the reduction of crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, defilement and rape, child trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, burglary, assault occasioning harm, malicious damage, advance fee fraud, among others,” CP Danladi Isa said.

He further said that stolen vehicles, auto-rickshaws (tricycles), and motorcycles were recovered under the period, while kidnapped victims were rescued.