A joint security taskforce, comprising of the police, military, Civil Defence, and Anambra vigilante group, have secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala.
The priest according to a statement issued by the spokesman of the command, Tochuwku Ikenga, was rescued unharmed.
Ikenga said the victim was kidnapped at a fuel station in Ichida, Ihiala where a security forces engaged in a gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number.
The statement reads, “In the early hours of today, March 23rd, 2025, a Joint Security team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, AVG Ichida, and Ihiala respectively secured the release of Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was returned unharmed.
“The victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force in an ensuing gun duel with the armed criminals operating in a white Lexus SUV without plate number. The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior fire power of the Joint Security Team, fled the scene and held the Rev. Father hostage. The Operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.
“In a coordinated hot chase by the Operatives, different security checkpoints and security operatives in the State were alerted which resulted in the criminals abandoning the Priest at Ihiala and escaping through a nearby bush.
“The Joint Security Team have taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals and recovery of the Toyota Highlander belonging to the Rev. Father.
“Further developments would be communicated, please.”