The Anambra State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped victims, including a Catholic priest, and arrested 10 suspects for various crimes across the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Awka.
Among those rescued was Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23, 2025.
“On March 23, 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. A joint security force engaged the armed criminals, who were operating in an unregistered white Lexus SUV, in a gun duel, subdued them, and rescued him,” Orutugu stated.
Additionally, on March 22, security operatives rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu.
The victims, who had sustained injuries inflicted by their captors, were rushed to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
“In a separate operation on the same day, police operatives attached to the Obosi Division, during an intelligence-led patrol along the Obosi-Nkpor Expressway, arrested one Kosiso Okonkwo and recovered a Beretta pistol. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity,” the commissioner revealed.
The police also recovered 10 assorted firearms, 16 expended cartridges, 46 live rounds of ammunition, four vehicles, and other incriminating items.
Orutugu assured residents that security agencies, including the Anambra State Vigilante Group, had intensified patrols and targeted operations to combat criminal activities across the state.
