Police rescue kidnap victim during forest raid in Imo

Imo State Police have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Chinonaobi Uchegbulam, following an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts in forests across the Owerri West Local Government Area. The victim, who is from Ubaha Orodo within the same local government, was found on Saturday in a forest hideout during a coordinated clearance operation.

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As part of ongoing efforts to rid Imo State of criminal elements, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, on 27th June, 2026, led operatives of the Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, on an intelligence-led forest clearance operation across the Nekede, Ihiagwa and Agbala axis of Owerri West LGA.

The operation, which covered the Nekede, Ihiagwa, and Agbala areas, was personally led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso. It was conducted in collaboration with local vigilantes, acting on directives from the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen internal security and dismantle criminal dens.

According to DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, the rescued victim was injured and has been evacuated to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively. The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism during the operation.

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During the operation, Police operatives successfully rescued an injured kidnapped victim, Chinonaobi Uchegbulam ‘m’ of Ubaha Orodo, from a forest hideout. The victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.

CP Bosso reaffirmed the Command's dedication to continuing intelligence-led operations to ensure Imo State remains an unsafe territory for criminals. The operation is part of the command's ongoing offensive against violent crimes and criminal networks operating in remote areas. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, PSC(+), MNIPS, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and ensuring that Imo State remains unsafe for criminal elements.