Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Imo State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim during an intelligence-led forest clearance operation in the Owerri West Local Government Area, marking a significant breakthrough in the state's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and combat kidnapping. The rescue operation, which took place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, led to the recovery of Chinonaobi Uchegbulam, a male resident of Ubaha Orodo in Owerri West LGA, who was found injured in a forest hideout and immediately evacuated to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, who led operatives of the command in collaboration with local vigilantes across the Nekede, Ihiagwa and Agbala forest axis of Owerri West Local Government Area. According to the Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, conveyed through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising the South-East Geopolitical Zone, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, as part of efforts to strengthen internal security, dismantle criminal hideouts and deny criminal elements safe havens across the state. The deployment of surveillance drones further enhanced intelligence gathering and supported the tracking of criminal elements operating in the forested areas.
During the operation, police operatives successfully located and rescued the injured kidnap victim from one of the forest camps, after which he was immediately rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment. The police have confirmed that the victim is responding positively to treatment. In a statement issued on Sunday, June 28, 2026, the command disclosed that the operation formed part of sustained efforts to rid Imo State of criminal elements and improve security across the state. CP Bosso, who has been at the forefront of the command's anti-kidnapping drive, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command's resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations and ensure that Imo State remains hostile to criminal elements. “The Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led operations and ensuring that Imo State remains unsafe for criminal elements,” Bosso was quoted as saying. The police also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command's emergency line, 0803 477 3600.
The rescue operation comes amid heightened security concerns in Imo State, where criminal gangs have increasingly taken refuge in forested areas, using them as bases for kidnapping and other violent crimes. The deployment of surveillance drones during the operation represents a significant step forward in the command's efforts to modernise its approach to crime-fighting and improve intelligence gathering. The police have reiterated their call for continued public support through timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
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