Police rescue Catholic priest, three kidnapped victims in Anambra

The police command in Anambra says its operatives have rescued Stephen Echezona, a Catholic priest, and three others abducted by suspected kidnappers.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, in a statement issued on Friday, said a joint team of police, military, and local vigilantes rescued the Catholic priest and other victims, while 10 suspects were arrested.

“In the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state, the command has in the two weeks under review recorded significant breakthroughs,” the statement reads.

“Given the operational support from sister agencies, Anambra state vigilantes and other security operatives through sustained patrols and targeted security operations, 4 kidnapped victims including a catholic reverend father were rescued and arrested over 10 suspects.

“On March 23rd, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military and other security operatives secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala.

“The priest who was rescued unharmed was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in an unregistered white Lexus SUV subdued the criminals and rescued him.

“Also, on 22nd March 2025 by 7.20 am our men rescued three kidnapped victims along Onitsha/Owerri Express Road, Ozubulu.

“The victims were rushed to the hospital by the joint security team following various degrees of injury already inflicted on them by the criminals.

“The victims are currently responding to treatment and have been debriefed by the police and operations are ongoing for possible arrest of the assailants.”

Ikenga said 10 arms of assorted brands, 16 expended cartridges and 46 live ammunition, four vehicles, and other incriminating items were recovered during the operation.

“Three of the recovered cars have been released to the owners,” he added.