In a daring operation, a joint security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala successfully secured the release of Reverend Father Stephen Echezona in the early hours of March 23rd, 2025.
The priest was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, where a gun duel ensued between the joint security force and the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number. The assailants abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene, taking the Reverend Father hostage.
However, in a coordinated hot chase, the operatives alerted various security checkpoints and operatives across the state, leading to the criminals abandoning the priest at Ihiala and escaping into a nearby bush.
The joint security team has taken over the scene in Ihiala, working to apprehend the armed criminals and recover the Reverend Father's Toyota Highlander. The police have assured that further developments will be communicated in due course.
This successful operation demonstrates the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, and their ability to effectively collaborate with other security agencies to achieve this goal.