By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Imo State Police Command has stepped up its campaign against kidnapping and violent crime along the Owerri–Aba Expressway after new intelligence revealed a network of criminal hideouts in Umuhu Autonomous Community, in Ngor Okpala local government area.

The development prompted a renewed security sweep led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who visited locations tied to the wanted suspect, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo.

The Commissioner of Police was joined by senior officials, among them the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, and the Chief Pathologist of the Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibeaja Okechukwu.

The Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government, Hon. Chika Ibekwe, and the local vigilante leadership also took part in the inspection, underscoring the scale of the state’s coordinated response.

Their visit to a hotel and a privately-run mortuary linked to the suspect, revealed scenes that shocked security and health officials. Inside the mortuary, they found decomposing and mutilated bodies kept in unsafe and unhygienic conditions.

The discovery heightened concerns over possible organ-related crimes and strengthened fears that the facilities had been used to support kidnapping rings operating along the expressway.

The state government ordered the hotel and mortuary sealed without delay. A search of Oparaugo’s residence produced important evidence now held by police investigators.

Forensic teams documented each item as part of a broader effort to piece together the suspect’s activities and identify those working with him. CP Danjuma said the command would pursue every link in the chain of criminal activity and bring all involved before the law.

The police have declared Stanley Morocco Oparaugo wanted and called on residents to share any information that may help locate him. The command urged the public to report credible leads at the nearest police station or through 0803 477 3600.

With Christmas travel drawing closer, security patrols have been reinforced along the Owerri–Aba Expressway to reassure commuters and reduce the risk of further attacks.

The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command remains determined to restore public confidence and protect residents throughout the festive season.