A joint team of security operatives on Sunday rescued Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, kidnapped by armed men at a fuel station in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement that Mr Echeozona was kidnapped earlier in the day.

Mr Ikenga said the assailants, while engaging the security operatives in a gun duel, abandoned their white Lexus SUV without a number plate and whisked away the cleric in his Toyota Highlander.

Mr Ikenga said, “In the early hours of today, March 23, 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 victim was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida where a joint security force engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel. The assailants abandoned the white Lexus and, in a bid to flee the scene due to the superior firepower of the joint security team, held the Rev. Father hostage. The operatives also recovered the white Lexus vehicle.”

Mr Ikenga said operatives had alerted security checkpoints and operatives across the state, which forced the suspects to abandon the priest in Ihiala and escape into a nearby bush.

The police spokesperson said, “The joint security team has taken over the scene in Ihiala for possible arrest of the armed criminals,” while efforts are underway to recover the priest’s vehicle.

“The situation is under control, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” he added.