Imo Police confirms kidnapped Maj Gen Richard Duru still alive

By Innocent Raphael

The Imo State Police Command has clarified that Retired Major General Richard Duru, who was kidnapped on September 27, 2023, is still alive, countering claims made by three arrested suspects.

The suspects, allegedly linked to the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), had confessed to both the kidnapping and alleged killing of the Major General.

In a statement released by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the police refuted the suspects’ claims and assured the public that efforts to rescue Major General Duru are ongoing.

ASP Okoye highlighted that a special investigative unit, led by Police Commissioner CP Aboki Danjuma, has made significant progress using technical intelligence and information from the suspects’ confessions.

The police urged the public and the victim’s family to disregard the suspects’ claims, reassuring them that all security agencies are working together to ensure Duru’s safe return and to apprehend those responsible.

According to the statement, enhanced security measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents.

The Command also called on the public to provide any credible information regarding suspicious activities to assist in the investigation.

Emergency contact numbers were further provided for reporting such information.