The Imo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim during an intelligence-led operation to flush out criminal hideouts in parts of Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Audu Bosso, in collaboration with local vigilantes, covered the Nekede, Ihiagwa, and Agbala forest axis on Friday.
The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation followed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, conveyed through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, as part of efforts to strengthen internal security, dismantle criminal camps, and deny criminals safe havens across the state.
IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE
IMO POLICE COMMAND RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIM DURING INTELLIGENCE-LED FOREST CLEARANCE OPERATION IN OWERRI WEST LGA
As part of ongoing efforts to rid Imo State of criminal elements, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba… pic.twitter.com/V5DpDEcsWk
— Imo State Police Command (@ImoPoliceNG) June 27, 2026
During the operation, police operatives rescued an injured kidnap victim identified as Chinonaobi Uchegbulam of Ubaha Orodo from a forest hideout.
The police said the victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
Bosso commended the operatives for what he described as their courage and professionalism, reiterating the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that Imo State is unsafe for criminals through sustained intelligence-led operations,” the commissioner said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency line, stressing that timely and credible information from the public remains critical to the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
