The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, a Catholic priest who was abducted in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that the priest was released unharmed following a confrontation between security forces and the abductors in Ihiala.
According to the statement, the operation took place in the early hours of March 23, 2025, and involved a combined team of the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala.
Rev. Fr. Echezona was kidnapped at a fuel station in Ichida by gunmen driving a white Lexus SUV without a license plate.
The joint security team engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the vehicle and flee while holding the priest hostage.
A coordinated chase was launched, and various security checkpoints across the state were alerted. Under pressure, the abductors eventually abandoned the priest in Ihiala and escaped through a nearby bush.
The security team has taken control of the area for further investigation and efforts to apprehend the suspects.
The white Lexus used by the kidnappers was recovered, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve the priest’s Toyota Highlander, which was taken during the incident.