The Imo State Government has demolished a building allegedly used as a criminal hideout in the Ama Hausa axis of Owerri, the state capital.
The operation was supervised by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Monitoring and Compliance, who described it as part of the administration’s ongoing effort to rid the state of criminal elements.
Speaking to journalists, Nwaneri emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy on crime, revealing that the building had been under surveillance for a while. It was reportedly a base for hardened criminals involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms trading, and other violent activities that threatened the peace and safety of the area.
The demolition was carried out in collaboration with security agencies following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. Several suspects were apprehended at the scene and have been handed over for interrogation and possible prosecution.
“Our message is clear—Imo State will not be a safe haven for criminals,” Nwaneri said. “We are dismantling every criminal syndicate, drug network, and arms ring. No one is above the law.”
Members of the local Hausa community, who preferred to remain anonymous, welcomed the demolition, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring peace and protecting their community from criminal infiltration.
They pledged continued support for the government’s crime-fighting initiatives, regardless of who is involved, and called for sustained efforts to ensure long-term security.
Nwaneri also urged landlords, market associations, and community leaders to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He warned that anyone found aiding or harbouring criminals would be treated as an accomplice.
He concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to building a safer Imo State where criminals have no place to hide.