The protracted insecurity that has plagued Imo State since 2020 may soon become a thing of the past if the early strides of the new Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso, are anything to go by. His professionalism, decisiveness, and disciplined approach have already begun to earn him widespread commendation from residents across the state.
Shortly after assuming office, Bosso was confronted with a major security challenge that tested not only the integrity of the police command but also the public’s confidence in the force. Three officers attached to the Imo State Police Command were accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and car theft.
Demonstrating swift leadership, the new CP immediately swung into action. Deploying his professional expertise and mobilizing necessary resources, Bosso ensured a thorough investigation. His prompt response yielded results within a short time.
The officers involved—Sergeants Gift Ekwueme and Ikechukwu Eto, and Corporal Divine Okwuaru—were arrested for their alleged roles in the crimes. Following an orderly room trial, they were found guilty of kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion. They were subsequently dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the development to journalists.
“Upon receiving the complaint, the police immediately commenced investigations. The officers were arrested, detained, and subjected to an orderly room trial. After they were found guilty, they were dismissed, and the decision was ratified by the Commissioner of Police,” Okoye stated.
He added that the dismissed officers would be arraigned in court for prosecution.
According to Okoye, the officers allegedly kidnapped and extorted N1.7 million from a resident, Obinna Egbu, in Owerri on February 8. They reportedly carried out the crime at gunpoint while posing as members of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit. A civilian accomplice, Alex Chukwu, who acted as their driver, was also implicated in the incident.
Bosso has since issued a strong warning that his administration will not tolerate corruption, high-handedness, or any form of professional misconduct within the command. He emphasized that erring officers would face strict disciplinary measures.
Political stakeholders in the state have also commended the new CP’s proactive approach.
Ugwumba Demian Ezeagu, former State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now Deputy Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, praised Bosso’s early performance. He noted that the new CP appears to be building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Audu Aboki.
“Aboki was excellent, and Bosso has commenced on a superb note. We pray he sustains this momentum and that what we are witnessing is not a flash in the pan,” Ezeagu said.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Party (APP) in the state, Mr. Cajetan Akuta, described Bosso’s start as commendable.
“It is our belief that he will continue on this promising path. We hope this is not merely a decoy but the beginning of sustained and effective policing in the state,” Akuta remarked.
Since Bosso’s arrival, residents report a noticeable improvement in security across the state. Increased joint patrols, strategic police checkpoints, and heightened security awareness campaigns have become more visible.
Observers note the presence of more patrol vehicles on major roads and coordinated operations at sensitive locations. According to Ezeagu, these measures have significantly improved security within just a few weeks of Bosso’s leadership.
“These developments show that Bosso is here to work and deliver,” he concluded.