Imo Police Dislodge Kidnappers’ Hideouts in Okuku Owerri West Forest, Recovers Decomposed Human Body
By Anselem Anokwute in Owerri
The Imo State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, working in synergy with local vigilante groups, raided and dislodged suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both in Owerri West Local Government Area.
DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Imo State Command in a Press release stated that the intelligence-driven operation, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, resulted in the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts located within an abandoned livestock farm deep inside the Okuku–Agwa forest. The area was immediately cordoned off, while the remains were evacuated to a morgue for forensic examination.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, samples have been taken by the Command’s Forensic Unit for DNA analysis to ascertain whether the remains are those of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu of Ihembosi, who was abducted on October 14, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri West.
The police said the dislodged hideouts are now under 24-hour surveillance to prevent the hoodlums from regrouping and to facilitate further intelligence gathering on their operations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry, reiterating the Command’s determination to dismantle all criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of residents of the state.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible information that could assist police investigations.