The Imo State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim during a targeted, intelligence-driven operation aimed at clearing criminal hideouts in parts of Owerri West Local Government Area.
The operation, spearheaded by Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso in collaboration with local vigilante groups, focused on the Nekede, Ihiagwa, and Agbala forest axis on Friday.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye announced the development in a statement issued from Owerri on Saturday. He explained that the exercise was carried out on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, relayed through Deputy Inspector-General of Police (South-East) Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, as part of intensified efforts to bolster internal security, dismantle criminal camps, and eliminate safe havens for criminals across Imo State.
During the operation, officers rescued a kidnapped victim, Chinonaobi Uchegbulam of Ubaha Orodo, who was found injured at a forest hideout. The victim was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and is reported to be responding well.
Commissioner Bosso commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining intelligence-led operations to root out criminal activity. He urged residents to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency line, emphasizing that timely information from the public is vital in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
