Police Rescue Kidnap Victim From Forest Hideout in Imo

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have rescued an injured kidnap victim from a forest hideout in Owerri West Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the state.

The victim, identified as Chinonaobi Uchegbulam of Ubaha Orodo, was rescued on Friday during a joint forest clearance operation conducted by police operatives and local vigilantes.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, Henry Okoye, said the operation covered the Nekede, Ihiagwa and Agbala axis of Owerri West Local Government Area.

According to him, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security, dismantle criminal hideouts and deny kidnappers and other violent criminals safe havens.

"During the operation, police operatives successfully rescued an injured kidnapped victim, Chinonaobi Uchegbulam, from a forest hideout," Okoye said.

He disclosed that the victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and is responding positively.

The police spokesperson did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the victim's abduction or whether any suspects were arrested during the operation.

He, however, reiterated the command's commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against criminal networks across the state.

Okoye also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or other security agencies to support ongoing efforts to improve security across Imo State.