Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command have discovered criminal hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
During the operation, police recovered a decomposing body believed to be that of a lawyer abducted on October 14.
However, no arrests were made as the suspects were not present at the time of the raid.
According to a statement released around 5:40 a.m. on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the coordinated operation was conducted on November 5 in collaboration with local vigilante groups as part of the ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
It read: “The Imo State Police Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State. On 5th November, 2025, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in synergy with local vigilante groups, successfully dislodged kidnappers’ hideouts in Okuku and Ndegwu communities, both in Owerri-West Local Government Area.”
Okoye explained that the operation was “intelligence-driven” and coordinated by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.
“The intelligence-driven operation, coordinated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, led to the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts located in an abandoned livestock farm deep within the Okuku–Agwa forest. The scene was cordoned off, and the body was carefully evacuated by operatives and taken to the morgue for further forensic examination,” he disclosed.
The police spokesperson added that forensic samples had been collected from the body for DNA analysis to determine whether it was that of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu, who was abducted on October 14 at Site and Services, Umuguma, in Owerri West.
The statement read: “Samples have been obtained by the Command’s Forensic Unit and will be sent for DNA analysis to determine whether they correspond with that of Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu ‘m’ of Ihembosi, who was abducted on 14th October, 2025, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri-West LGA.”
Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), further stated that the dislodged locations would remain under 24-hour surveillance to prevent the criminals from returning.
“Meanwhile, the dislodged hideouts have been placed under 24-hour close surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping and to aid further intelligence gathering on their activities, as the Command intensifies efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction of the barrister and ensure his possible rescue if still alive,” he declared.
He also noted that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, had commended the officers involved for their professionalism and bravery, urging residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts with useful information.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry, reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imolites.
“He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the Police through the provision of timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations,” Okoye stressed.
