Gun Battle in Anambra: Police Storm Hideout, Rescue Abducted Catholic Priest Unharmed

The Anambra State Police Command has successfully secured the release of Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, a Catholic priest who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area. The rescue operation followed a fierce gunfight between a joint security team and the priest’s abductors.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the priest was released unharmed in the early hours of March 23, 2025, after security operatives intercepted the kidnappers in Ihiala. The joint team—comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups from Ichida and Ihiala—engaged the armed criminals, who were operating in a white Lexus SUV with no license plates.

The suspects were forced to abandon the vehicle during the shootout and took the priest hostage as they fled. A coordinated pursuit was launched, with multiple security checkpoints across the state placed on high alert. The pressure led to the abductors abandoning Fr. Echezona in Ihiala before escaping into a nearby bush.

The recovered Lexus SUV has been taken into custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover the priest’s Toyota Highlander. Security personnel remain on the ground in Ihiala as investigations continue.