Segun Atanda/
The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a string of security breakthroughs, including the rescue of a kidnapped Catholic priest, the arrest of over ten criminal suspects, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
These achievements were disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Livingstone Orutugu, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka.
Highlighting the intensified security efforts in collaboration with sister agencies, vigilante groups, and other security operatives, CP Orutugu reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensuring public safety and tackling criminal activities across the state.
On March 23, 2025, a joint security team comprising police, military personnel, and other operatives successfully rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona in Ihiala. The priest had been abducted at a fuel station in Ichida but was freed unharmed following a fierce gun battle between security forces and the kidnappers, who were operating in an unregistered white Lexus SUV.
Similarly, on March 22, 2025, three kidnapped victims were rescued along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu. The victims, who sustained varying degrees of injuries, were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
The command also made several notable arrests during the period. On March 22, operatives attached to the Obosi Division, during an intelligence-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor Expressway, apprehended Kosiso Okonkwo, who was found in possession of a Beretta pistol. The suspect confessed to being a member of the notorious Aye Confraternity.
In a crackdown on robbery activities, officers from the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu- Ukwu, on March 18, 2025, arrested Chibuike Ozoekwem, 22, and Favour Patrick, 19, in an uncompleted building on Onwurah Street, Awka. A pump-action gun, sixteen expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones were recovered from the suspects. One of the victims identified a recovered phone, confirming she had been robbed at gunpoint on March 13 along Club Road, Awka.
Further arrests included the case of Somtochukwu Okoye, who was apprehended on March 26 at Book Foundation, Ifite-Awka, with a locally made Beretta pistol. The suspect was in a tricycle with three other passengers when he was searched and found in possession of the weapon. Another suspect, Richard Onwugbufo of Ugbulu Village, Oraifite, was arrested at Dynamo Junction, Ifite-Awka, on March 27, and found carrying a Beretta pistol with three live rounds.
Addressing the early morning fire incident on March 28, 2025, at a warehouse in Main Market, Ifejirika by Nwangene, CP Orutugu sympathized with the victims. While no casualties were recorded, he urged residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent similar occurrences. He also assured that police have taken control of the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent criminal activities.
Orutugu reaffirmed the command’s dedication to securing lives and property, promising continued collaboration with the military, security agencies, and vigilante groups to strengthen security across Anambra State. He also extended warm Sallah greetings to Muslims and assured them of maximum security during the celebrations.
All arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, he assured.
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