Police
Imo State Police Command has uncovered a decomposing body following a successful raid on suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in the Okuku-Agwa forest, Owerri West Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the operation in a statement released in Owerri on Friday, noting that the breakthrough was achieved on Nov. 5 through a coordinated effort between the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilante groups.
According to Okoye, the intelligence-led raid was spearheaded by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and led to the discovery of a decomposed corpse inside an abandoned livestock farm deep within the 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.
He explained that forensic experts had already collected samples for DNA analysis to confirm if the remains belong to Mr. Jeffery Ucheagwu of Ihembosi, who was reportedly abducted on October 14 at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri West.
Okoye added that the cleared hideouts are now under round-the-clock surveillance to prevent the kidnappers from regrouping and to facilitate more intelligence gathering on their activities.
He further revealed that the police have intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for Ucheagwu’s abduction and ensure his rescue “if he is still alive.”
Okoye quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, who commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.
> Danjuma reaffirmed the Command’s “unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imo residents.”
He also appealed to the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and to assist security agencies with credible information that could help ongoing investigations.
