IMO POLICE DISLODGE KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUTS IN OWERRI-WEST, RECOVER DECOMPOSED CORPSE
The Imo State Police Command has achieved another major breakthrough in its relentless battle against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
According to a press release issued on Friday, November 7, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working in synergy with local vigilante groups, successfully stormed and dislodged kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both located in Owerri-West Local Government Area.
The intelligence-led operation, coordinated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, resulted in the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts situated in an abandoned livestock farm deep within the Okuku–Agwa forest. The area was immediately cordoned off, and the body evacuated to a morgue for forensic examination.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Command’s Forensic Unit has obtained samples for DNA analysis to ascertain whether the remains belong to Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu, who was abducted on October 14, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, in Owerri-West LGA.
Meanwhile, police authorities disclosed that the dislodged hideouts are now under 24-hour surveillance to prevent the kidnappers from regrouping, while efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted lawyer if found alive.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring the safety of residents across Imo State.
He further urged the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid investigations.