The Anambra State Police Command has secured the release of Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
It was gathered that Echezona was abducted by the hoodlums in Ichida, in the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, while refuelling his car at a petrol station in the area.
The hoodlums were said to have abandoned their operational vehicle and taken the victim away in his vehicle into an unknown location during an exchange of gunfire with police operatives who stormed the scene of the kidnap.
In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the victim was rescued by a joint security team comprising the police, military, civil defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively in the early hours of Sunday.
Ikenga said police operatives had taken over the scene where the priest was rescued in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of his Toyota Highlander.
He said, “In the early hours of today, March 23, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the police, military, civil defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was returned unharmed.
“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number.
“The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior firepower of the Joint Security Team fled the scene and held the Rev. Father hostage. The operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.
“In a coordinated hot chase by the operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the state were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.
“The joint security team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.
“Further developments would be communicated, please.”
In another development, the police command has intercepted two suspects for cultism and armed robbery and also recovered arms and other incriminating items.
Ikenga said the suspects were arrested by police operatives in separate operations across the state.
He noted that the command is more motivated to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state.
He said, “On 22nd March 2025, police operatives attached to the Obosi Division on intelligent-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor Road arrested one Kosiso Okonwko ‘M’ and recovered one Berreta pistol.
“The suspect confessed to being a member of Aye Confertanity.
“In another operation, police operatives attached to B Division with some Mobile Police Men of 29 Squadron on stop and search by 9.20 pm along Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, Amansea intercepted a tricycle with Reg No. BBG 767 QH, driven by one Augustine Okafor ‘M’ wearing Army Camouflage trousers.
“During interrogation, the suspect could not provide a satisfactory answer, which caused the operatives to search him and recover one Berreta pistol, seven live ammunition, cash N15,600, substances suspected to be hard drugs and charms.”
He added that given the above, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, directed the immediate transfer of the case to the command’s tactical unit for a discreet investigation.
“The CP further notes that the Anambra police operatvies are more motivated and have been actively working to combat crime and ensure public safety in the state,” he added.
