Imo Police Use Drones to Search Forests and Rescue Kidnapped Victim

By Chidi Nkwopara

Over the weekend, the Imo State Police Command deployed surveillance drones, conducted forest sweeps, and rescued a kidnapped victim in the state.

In a press statement, Police Public Relations Officer Mr. Henry Okoye said, “The Command has deployed a surveillance drone to strengthen intelligence gathering and support ongoing operations aimed at identifying and tracking criminal elements across Imo State.”

The statement added, “As part of ongoing efforts to rid Imo State of criminal elements, Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, June 27, 2026, led Command operatives, together with local vigilantes, in an intelligence‑led forest clearance operation across the Nekede, Ihiagwa and Agbala axis of Owerri West and Owerri North local government areas.”

“The operation was carried out on the directives of the Inspector General of Police, as conveyed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police supervising the South East Geopolitical Zone, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie,” the statement continued. “It aimed to strengthen internal security, dismantle criminal hideouts and deny criminal elements safe havens.”

During the operation, police operatives 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,” the statement noted.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence‑led operations and ensuring that Imo State remains unsafe for criminal elements.

The Command urged Imo residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station, and called for continued public support through timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.