By SUNTV Global Channel
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into an incident in Owerri, Imo State, where Nigerian Army personnel reportedly intercepted armed police officers after mistaking them for suspected kidnappers.
According to a statement issued by RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the incident occurred on the evening of July 12, 2026, near the Orji Flyover in Owerri.
The rights organisation said eyewitnesses alleged that armed police operatives, dressed in plain clothes and travelling in a white bus, rounded up several young men along the roadside and forced them into the vehicle without identifying themselves or explaining the reason for the arrests.
RULAAC stated that the manner in which the operation was conducted caused panic among residents, many of whom believed they were witnessing a kidnapping. Concerned members of the public reportedly alerted soldiers stationed at a nearby military checkpoint, prompting the troops to intercept the vehicle.
According to the organisation, a potentially deadly confrontation between the soldiers and the police officers was narrowly avoided after the occupants of the vehicle identified themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force. Some of the young men who had been detained were reportedly released following the intervention of the soldiers.
The advocacy group stressed that although the accounts are yet to be officially verified, the allegations point to serious operational lapses that could endanger civilians as well as security personnel.
RULAAC urged the Imo State Police Command to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to determine whether the operation complied with the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and the Force’s operational guidelines.
The organisation also called for the identities of the officers involved to be established, any violations of the rights of the detained young men to be investigated, and the outcome of the inquiry to be made public.
According to RULAAC, the matter has already been brought to the attention of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, who reportedly assured the organisation that appropriate action was being taken.
The group further appealed to members of the public who witnessed the incident or possess photographs, videos or other relevant evidence to cooperate with investigators.
RULAAC maintained that transparent handling of the case would strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and reinforce ongoing efforts to promote professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights in law enforcement.
