In a series of operations, the Anambra State Police Command has achieved significant breakthroughs in combating crime, rescuing a kidnapped priest and apprehending suspected cultists and armed robbers. These incidents underscore the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.

Rescue of Reverend Father Stephen Echezona

Reverend Father Stephen Echezona was abducted by gunmen at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area. The assailants, who arrived in a white Lexus SUV without a license plate, seized the priest in his Toyota Highlander after abandoning their own vehicle during a gun battle with security operatives. The rescue operation, which took place in the early hours of March 23, 2025, was a joint effort involving the Police, Military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala. According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesperson, the kidnappers abandoned their vehicle after a gun exchange with the security forces. A coordinated chase, with alerted security checkpoints, forced the criminals to abandon the priest in Ihiala and flee through a nearby bush. The joint security team has taken over the scene in Ihiala to pursue the suspects and recover the priest’s Toyota Highlander.

Arrest of Suspected Cultists and Armed Robbers

In separate operations, the Anambra State Police Command has detained two suspected cultists and armed robbers, recovering arms and other incriminating items. SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday in Onitsha. Police operatives attached to the Obosi Division arrested Kosiso Okonkwo during an intelligence-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor Road, recovering a Beretta pistol from him. Okonkwo confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity. In another operation, police operatives from ‘B’ Division, in collaboration with Mobile Police officers, conducted a stop-and-search operation along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Amansea. They intercepted a tricycle driven by a male suspect wearing Army camouflage trousers. A search revealed a Beretta pistol, seven live rounds of ammunition, ₦15,600 in cash, substances suspected to be hard drugs, and charms. Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the Command’s Tactical Unit for a thorough investigation.

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