The Imo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities by deploying surveillance drones and launching coordinated forest clearance operations that led to the rescue of a kidnapped victim in the state.
The operation, carried out over the weekend, targeted suspected criminal hideouts in the Nekede, Ihiagwa and Agbala axis of Owerri West and Owerri North Local Government Areas.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the command said the deployment of surveillance drones is aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and enhancing ongoing efforts to identify and track criminal elements across Imo State.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, personally led the intelligence-driven operation alongside police operatives and local vigilantes on June 27, 2026. The exercise followed directives from the Inspector General of Police, conveyed through the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie.
The operation focused on dismantling criminal camps hidden inside forests and denying kidnappers and other violent offenders safe havens across the state.
During the raid, security operatives rescued an injured kidnap victim identified as Chinonaobi Uchegbulam from Ubaha Orodo. He was found inside a forest hideout and immediately taken to a medical facility, where police said he is responding well to treatment.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to improving security, Commissioner Bosso said intelligence-led operations would continue until criminal groups are rooted out of the state.
The police also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station. The command stressed that timely and credible information from the public remains vital in the fight against kidnapping, armed violence and other criminal offences.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen public safety and curb violent crimes across Imo State.
