By Chikaodi Chukwuleta and Ebele Ofodile
Anambra State Police Command has rescued four kidnapped victims, arrested 10 suspects, and recovered various arms and ammunition.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the State Police Command Headquarters on Friday.
According to him , the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Anambra State Vigilante Group, and other security operatives, have intensified patrols and carried out targeted security operations to tackle criminal activities across the state.
He noted that, among the four rescued victims was a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23, 2025, adding that the police, alongside the military and other operatives, successfully freed the priest during a gunfight with the kidnappers, who were using an unregistered white Lexus SUV.
The CP further disclosed that in another operation, on March 22, 2025, at around 7:20 am, a joint security team rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road, Ozubulu.
He said the victims, who had sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers, were rushed to the hospital and are reportedly responding to treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing assailants.
The CP further revealed that on the same date, March 22, 2025, police operatives from the Obosi Division, acting on intelligence, apprehended one Kosiso Okonkwo along the Obosi/Nkpor expressway.
According to him, Kosiso has confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity, and was found in possession of a Beretta pistol.
“Earlier on March 18, 2025, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu Ukwu, apprehended two suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19), during a raid on an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka,” he said, adding that the suspects were in possession of a pump-action gun, 16 expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones.
One of the phones, he said, was later identified by a robbery victim who had been attacked at gunpoint along Club Road, Awka, on March 13, 2025.
CP Orutugu further said that on March 26, 2025, during a stop-and-search operation at the Book Foundation axis in Ifite Awka, a surveillance team from the B Division intercepted a tricycle with three passengers, and following a search, one of the passengers, identified as Somtochukwu Okoye from Umuike Village, Awka, found with a locally made Beretta pistol, admitted to being a member of the Junior Viking secret cult and revealed that the gun belonged to Augustine Okafor, also known as “ABOY,” who was already in police custody for unlawful firearm possession.
In a related development, CP Orutugu said that on March 27, 2025, another operation by the B Division at Dynamo Junction, Ifite Awka, led to the arrest of Richard Onwugbufo of Ugbulu village, Oraifite, who was found with a Beretta pistol and three rounds of live ammunition.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations,” he declared.
The Police Commissioner also expressed sympathy to the victims of a fire incident that occurred on Friday at a warehouse located at Ifejirika by Nwangene, Onitsha.
While noting that no lives were lost in the inferno, he appreciated the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals for their support in extinguishing the fire, even as he revealed that the police have since taken over the scene to investigate the cause and prevent criminal exploitation of the situation.
He used the opportunity to wish the Muslim faithful in Anambra and beyond a Happy Sallah celebration, assuring residents that the Police Command will continue to work closely with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance security operations, maintain peace, and safeguard lives and property.
