By PETER OKOLIE

The Imo Police Command says it raided kidnapping hideouts and uncovered a decomposing body at Okuku-Agwa forest in Owerri-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Friday.

Okoye stated that the feat, achieved on Nov. 5, in collaboration with the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilance groups, marked a turning point in the fight against violent crimes across state.

“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 inside 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.

“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 Mr Jeffery Ucheagwu of Ihembosi,” he stated.

Okoye stated that Ucheagwu was abducted on Oct. 14, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri-West LGA.

He added that the dislodged hideouts had been placed under 24-hour close surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping and to aid further intelligence gathering on their activities.

He stated that the command had intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction of Ucheagwu and ensure his possible rescue, “if he is still alive”.

Okoye quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma’s commendation to the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry.

According to him, Danjuma affirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imo residents.

He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the command through the provision of timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations. (NAN)