By Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced the successful operation in a statement on Sunday in Awka, crediting the Joint Security Task Force (JTF) for the priest’s safe return.
“In the early hours of today, March 23, a joint security team comprising the police, military, civil defence, and vigilante operatives rescued Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona at Ihiala,” Ikenga stated.
According to the police, the assailants, who were operating in a white Lexus SUV without a number plate, kidnapped Echezona and attempted to flee. However, the JTF intercepted them, engaging in a gun duel that forced the kidnappers to abandon their vehicle. They fled with the priest but later released him at Ihiala during a coordinated security pursuit.
Authorities recovered the abandoned SUV and assured ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators and retrieve the priest’s Toyota Highlander.
In related security operations, police arrested a suspect in Obosi found in possession of a Beretta pistol and rescued three kidnapped victims on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu.
The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring residents’ safety and intensifying efforts to combat crime across Anambra State.
