Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have recovered a decomposed body when they stormed kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities in Owerri-West local government area of the state.
A statement made available to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, said the operation was carried out on November 5, 2025.
“On 5th November, 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,” Okoye said.
According to the PPRO, samples have been obtained by the Command’s Forensic Unit to be sent for DNA analysis to determine whether the corpse correspond with that of one Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu of Ihembosi, who was abducted on 14th October, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri-West LGA.
Okoye said the dislodged hideouts have been placed under 24-hour close surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping and to aid further intelligence gathering on their activities.
He added that the Command has intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction of the lawyer and ensure his possible rescue, if still alive.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, 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.
