The Anambra State Police Command said it has rescued four kidnapped victims and arrested 10 suspects for various crimes in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, stated this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Friday.
He explained that among the four rescued victims was a Catholic reverend father, Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23, 2025.
The commissioner said, “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.”
“Also, on March 22, 2025, at about 7:20 a.m., the police rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu. The victims, who had sustained various degrees of injuries inflicted by the criminals, were rushed to the hospital by the joint security team. They are currently responding to treatment and have been debriefed by the police. Operations are ongoing to track and arrest the assailants.”
“On the same date, March 22, 2025, 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.”
Orutugu disclosed that the police also recovered arms and ammunition, including 10 assorted firearms, 16 expended cartridges, 46 live rounds of ammunition, four vehicles, and other incriminating items.
He said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, including the Anambra State Vigilante Group, had intensified patrols and carried out targeted security operations to tackle criminal activities across the state.
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