Imo State Government Clears Criminal Hideouts as Shanties Demolished in Owerri
Story written by Okafor Joseph September 19,2025
The enforcement exercise, carried out at Avu Junction in Owerri West Local Government Area, followed reports of increasing cases of phone snatching, bag theft, and related crimes in the state capital.
Speaking to journalists, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, explained that the operation became necessary after intelligence revealed that shanties earlier demolished had been rebuilt and were once again being used by suspected criminals.
Weapons Recovered During Operation
Security operatives, who accompanied the enforcement team, reportedly recovered arms and dangerous weapons from the site. These items were immediately handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
According to Nwaneri, the Avu Junction axis, located behind the correctional facility, had recently become a notorious gathering point for criminal gangs.
Residents Commend Government’s Action
Local residents who witnessed the demolition praised the government’s continued efforts to secure the state, describing the operation as a step in the right direction.
Nwaneri stressed that Governor Uzodinma’s administration remains committed to ensuring public safety, noting that similar enforcement exercises will be carried out in other identified black spots across Imo State.
“The governor has directed that criminals will have no safe haven in Imo. Our duty is to make sure these hideouts are dismantled permanently,” Nwaneri said.
