Police Dislodge Kidnappers From Hideouts In Imo

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have dislodged kidnappers from their hideouts and recovered a decomposing body in an ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

This was made known in a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye.

“On November 5, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in synergy with local vigilante groups, successfully dislodged kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both in Owerri-West Local Government Area.

“The intelligence-driven operation, coordinated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, led to the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts located in an abandoned livestock farm deep within the Okuku–Agwa forest. The scene was cordoned off, and the body was carefully evacuated by operatives and taken to the morgue for further forensic examination”

According to the statement, “Samples have been obtained by the Command’s Forensic Unit and will be sent for DNA analysis to determine whether they correspond with that of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu ‘m’ of Ihembosi, who was abducted on 14th October, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri-West LGA.”

Meanwhile, the dislodged hideouts have been placed under 24-hour close surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping and aid further intelligence gathering on their activities, as the Command intensifies efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction of the barrister and ensure his possible rescue if still alive.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry, reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imo citizens.

He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the Police through the provision of timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.