Security operatives rescue abducted Catholic priest in Anambra

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.”