Anambra State Police Command has made significant security breakthroughs over the past two weeks, including the rescue of a kidnapped Catholic priest, the arrest of over ten suspects, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka, where he highlighted the command’s intensified security efforts in collaboration with sister agencies, vigilante groups, and other security operatives.
On March 23, 2025, a joint security team comprising the police, military, and other operatives rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona at Ihiala. The priest was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida but was freed unharmed after a gun duel 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 had suffered various degrees of injuries, were rushed to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment.
The command also made notable arrests within the period. On March 22, 2025, operatives attached to the Obosi Division, during an intelligence-led patrol along the Obosi/Nkpor expressway, arrested Kosiso Okonkwo, who was found in possession of a Beretta pistol. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity.
Additionally, in a crackdown on robbery activities, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu-Ukwu, on March 18, 2025, arrested Chibuike Ozoekwem, 22, and Favour Patrick, 19, in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, sixteen expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones. One of the victims has identified a recovered phone, confirming she was robbed at gunpoint on March 13, 2025, along Club Road, Awka.
Further arrests include the case of Somtochukwu Okoye, who was apprehended on March 26, 2025, 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 by the police. Another suspect, Richard Onwugbufo of Ugbulu Village, Oraifite, was arrested at Dynamo Junction, Ifite-Awka, on March 27, 2025, and found in possession of a Beretta pistol with three live rounds.
The commissioner also addressed the early morning fire incident on March 28, 2025, at a warehouse in Main Market, Ifejirika by Nwangene, sympathizing with victims. While no casualties were recorded, he urged residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent similar incidents. Police have taken control of the scene to investigate the cause and prevent criminal activities.
CP Orutugu reaffirmed the command’s dedication to ensuring public safety, promising continued collaboration with the military, security agencies, and vigilante groups to enhance security across the state. He also extended Sallah greetings to Muslims, assuring them of maximum security during the celebrations. All arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.