Security Operatives Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest in Anambra
In a swift and coordinated effort, a joint security team comprising the Nigerian Police, the military, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilantes successfully rescued a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who had been abducted by armed assailants in Anambra State. The rescue operation, which unfolded on Sunday, March 23, 2025, was a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s security forces in responding to crime.
Rev. Fr. Echezona, the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Ichida and the Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Awka Diocese, was kidnapped on the evening of Saturday, March 22, 2025, while he was at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area. The abduction occurred when the priest had gone to buy fuel at the station, an event that quickly spiraled into a frightening ordeal.
According to a statement released by the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the kidnappers were operating in a white Lexus SUV that lacked a license plate. The assailants, in their attempt to flee after the abduction, found themselves engaged in a gunfight with security operatives who had immediately responded to the distress call from the scene. During the exchange of gunfire, the criminals abandoned their vehicle and took the priest with them, using his vehicle to make their escape.
The statement revealed the heroic efforts of the security operatives in securing the priest’s release. SP Ikenga stated that the joint security forces had worked seamlessly to neutralize the threat posed by the kidnappers. The operation, which involved personnel from various agencies, was described as highly coordinated and efficient. The suspects’ vehicle, the white Lexus, was recovered by the security team.
“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,” Ikenga confirmed in his statement.
The abduction of Rev. Echezona had initially triggered widespread panic in the area, with local residents fearing for the priest’s safety. However, the rapid mobilization of security operatives, who were on high alert, allowed them to pursue the criminals through various checkpoints across the state. The joint team’s pursuit was so relentless that the criminals, realizing the pressure from the security forces, abandoned their hostage at Ihiala and fled into a nearby bush.
Upon securing the area in Ihiala, the operatives ensured that the priest was unharmed and safe. They also recovered the priest’s Toyota Highlander, which had been taken by the kidnappers.
The swift actions of the security operatives were lauded by members of the public, who expressed relief over the safe return of the priest. The Nigerian Police and other agencies involved in the operation vowed to continue their pursuit of the remaining criminals responsible for the abduction.
The abduction of Rev. Fr. Echezona was a chilling reminder of the growing insecurity that has plagued several regions in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern part of the country. Kidnappings for ransom have become a common crime in these areas, with individuals being targeted for their wealth or for their perceived influence. The attack on the priest, however, stood out due to the circumstances under which it occurred – a brazen assault at a petrol station during the evening hours.
Rev. Echezona, a respected clergyman in the Awka Diocese, had just completed his duties when he was ambushed. As a man of the cloth, his role in the community went beyond the pulpit, with his work in the Charismatic Renewal Movement making him a well-known figure in the region. The news of his kidnapping was met with shock and disbelief by his parishioners, who immediately began to pray for his safe return.
Speaking to the media, a member of the church, Mrs. Maria Ojukwu, expressed her relief upon hearing that the priest had been safely rescued. “We were all so scared when we heard that Father Echezona had been kidnapped. He’s not just a priest to us; he’s a father, a mentor. We thank God that he is safe and unharmed,” she said.
The successful rescue operation was the result of careful planning and execution by multiple security agencies working together. As soon as the distress call was received, the police alerted other security agencies in the area, and a joint task force was quickly assembled. The involvement of the military, NSCDC, local vigilantes, and the police ensured that the kidnappers had nowhere to hide.
“The operatives worked tirelessly, coordinating through various checkpoints, and communicated effectively to close in on the kidnappers. Their quick thinking and superior firepower forced the assailants to abandon their vehicle and flee,” said SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
The police spokesperson also emphasized the commitment of the Anambra State Government to improving the security situation across the state. “We will not relent in our efforts to bring criminals to justice. This operation shows the determination of the state to rid our communities of criminal elements,” Ikenga added.
In the days that followed, security operatives maintained a heightened presence in the area, ensuring that the kidnappers did not escape the long arm of the law. The state police command vowed to track down the criminals, who were still on the run.
Following the successful rescue operation, authorities launched an intensive search for the remaining suspects. The white Lexus vehicle abandoned by the kidnappers was being carefully examined for any forensic evidence that could help identify the perpetrators. Police checkpoints and security patrols were increased in the area, as the state forces continued to scour the nearby forests and towns for any signs of the criminals.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, in a statement following the incident, promised that the force would not rest until those responsible for the kidnapping were apprehended and brought to justice. “We have intensified our efforts to ensure that the remaining suspects are tracked down. We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to secure the safety of our people,” the Commissioner said.
Meanwhile, the priest’s safe return was celebrated by his parishioners, who offered prayers of gratitude. Church leaders within the Awka Diocese also expressed their relief at the priest’s release, calling it a testament to the power of prayer and the effectiveness of the joint security teams.
One notable aspect of the operation was the involvement of local vigilantes. The vigilante groups, often seen as crucial to community policing efforts, played an instrumental role in the search and rescue mission. These local security forces, familiar with the terrain and the communities, assisted the joint task force in narrowing down the location of the kidnappers.
The support of local vigilantes has become increasingly important in the fight against crime in Nigeria, as they work hand in hand with the police and military to combat criminal activities. Their intimate knowledge of local routes and hideouts has proven vital in securing the safety of citizens, as seen in the rescue of Rev. Fr. Echezona.
The kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Echezona and the subsequent rescue operation are emblematic of the broader security challenges facing the southeast of Nigeria. While the Anambra State government has made significant strides in improving security, incidents like this highlight the continuing threat posed by criminal groups operating in the region.
Many residents of southeastern Nigeria have raised concerns over the increasing frequency of kidnappings and other violent crimes, with calls for greater collaboration between security agencies and local communities. In response, both the state government and the police have promised to continue their efforts to tackle the rising tide of insecurity.
“We will not allow criminals to take over our communities. The security of our citizens remains a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not become the norm,” assured the Anambra State Commissioner of Police.
As the investigation continues and efforts to apprehend the remaining criminals intensify, the people of Anambra and the larger southeastern region remain hopeful that this recent success will lead to a lasting decrease in criminal activities and an increase in public safety.
The successful rescue of Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona by a joint security team in Anambra State represents a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against kidnapping and other forms of criminality in southeastern Nigeria. Through a well-coordinated and prompt response, security operatives were able to neutralize the threat posed by the kidnappers, ensuring the safe return of the priest to his community.
The event also underscores the importance of collaboration among security agencies and the invaluable support of local vigilantes in securing communities. While challenges remain, the joint effort in this case provides hope that with continued vigilance and cooperation, the scourge of abductions and other criminal activities can be reduced in the region. The safe return of Rev. Fr. Echezona serves as a much-needed reminder of the resilience and determination of both the authorities and the communities in overcoming adversity.
A joint security team comprising the police, military, NSCDC, and vigilantes have rescued a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was abducted by gunmen at a petrol station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.Rev. Echezona, the Parish Priest of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ichida and the Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Awka Diocese, was kidnapped on Saturday evening, March 22, 2025, when he went to buy fuel at the station.Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, March 23, said the suspected kidnappers, operating in a white Lexus SUV without a plate number, abducted the priest in his own vehicle after abandoning theirs during a gun exchange with security operatives who responded to the attack.“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 statement read.
“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.”
