Anambra State Police Command Scores Major Security Wins, Rescues Kidnapped Victims and Dismantles Criminal Networks

 

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a series of significant breakthroughs in its ongoing efforts to combat crime, particularly in kidnapping and violent criminal activities, marking a major achievement in public safety over the past two weeks.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, briefed the press on these recent developments at the police command headquarters in Awka on Friday. According to the CP, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies such as the Anambra State Vigilante Group, have successfully rescued four kidnapping victims, apprehended ten individuals linked to various criminal activities, and confiscated a range of dangerous weapons.

Among the most notable incidents highlighted was the dramatic rescue of four victims, including a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Stephen Echezona. Father Echezona had been abducted on March 23, 2025, at a fuel station in Ichida by armed criminals who had taken him to an undisclosed location. In a well-coordinated operation, a joint security force composed of the police, military, and other operatives tracked the criminals to Ihiala, where they engaged in a fierce gunfight. The criminals, who had been using an unregistered white Lexus SUV, were overpowered by the security forces. Father Echezona was freed unharmed, and the operation resulted in the arrest of several individuals connected to the abduction.

The CP also revealed that on March 22, 2025, another successful operation led to the rescue of three other kidnapping victims along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road in Ozubulu. The victims, who had suffered various degrees of injury at the hands of their captors, were swiftly transported to the hospital by the joint security team. The police have since initiated an investigation into the identity and whereabouts of the kidnappers.

The successes were not limited to kidnappings. The police made significant strides in dismantling local criminal networks. In one such instance, officers from the Obosi division arrested a suspect, Kosiso Okonkwo, on March 22, 2025, after a routine intelligence-led patrol. Okonkwo, who was found in possession of a Beretta pistol, confessed to being a member of the notorious Aye Confraternity, a secret cult group active in the region.

Additionally, the police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit made another breakthrough on March 18, 2025, when they arrested two individuals, Chibuike Ozoekwem, 22, and Favour Patrick, 19, in connection with a series of phone thefts. The suspects were found in an uncompleted building along Onwurah Street, Awka, in possession of a pump action gun, 16 expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two suspected stolen mobile phones. Further investigation revealed that one of the phones had been stolen from a victim on March 13, 2025, during a violent robbery along Club Road, Awka.

In a separate case, police officers on surveillance duty intercepted a tricycle along Book Foundation Ifite Awka on March 26, 2025. Upon searching one of the passengers, Somtochukwu Okoye, officers discovered a locally made Beretta pistol. Okoye, a member of the Junior Viking secret cult, admitted that the firearm belonged to one Augustine Okafor, who is currently in police custody for another case involving the unlawful possession of firearms.

The latest arrest took place on March 27, 2025, when operatives from the B Division conducted a stop-and-search operation along Dynamo Junction, Ifite Awka. During the operation, Richard Onwugbufo, a suspect from Ugbulu village Oraifite, was apprehended with a Beretta pistol and three live ammunition rounds in his possession.

Commissioner Orutugu commended the efforts of the police, military, and local security groups, emphasizing that the ongoing collaboration is crucial in curbing criminal activities in the state. The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces by providing valuable information that could lead to the arrest of fleeing criminals.

“The fight against crime is a collective responsibility, and we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Anambra State,” CP Orutugu concluded.

As the investigations continue, all suspects are expected to face legal proceedings once the police conclude their inquiries.