By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command said it had recorded significant security breakthroughs in the past two weeks, including the rescue of four kidnapped victims, the arrest of ten suspects, and the recovery of various arms and ammunition.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Friday held at the State Police Command Headquarters.
According to CP Orutugu, the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Anambra State Vigilante Group, and other security operatives, have intensified patrols and carried out targeted security operations to tackle criminal activities across the state. He noted that, among the four rescued victims was a Catholic reverend father, Rev. Father Stephen Echezona, who was abducted at a fuel station in Ichida on March 23, 2025. He added that the police, alongside the military and other operatives, successfully freed the priest during a gunfight with the kidnappers, who were using an unregistered white Lexus SUV.
Continuing, the CP said, in another operation, on March 22, 2025, at around 7:20 am, a joint security team rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road, Ozubulu.
According to him, the victims, who had sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers, were rushed to the hospital and are reportedly responding to treatment, even as efforts to apprehend the fleeing assailants are currently ongoing.
CP Orutugu also revealed that on the same date, March 22, 2025, police operatives from the Obosi division, acting on intelligence, apprehended one Kosiso Okonkwo along the Obosi/Nkpor expressway. He said, the suspect, who confessed to being a member of the Aye Confraternity, was found in possession of a Beretta pistol.
In the words of the CP, earlier on March 18, 2025, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu Ukwu, apprehended two suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19), during a raid on an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka. He said the suspects were in possession of a pump-action gun, sixteen expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two stolen phones, adding that one of the phones was later identified by a robbery victim who had been attacked at gunpoint along Club Road, Awka, on March 13, 2025.
Additionally, the CP said on March 26, 2025, during a stop-and-search operation at the Book Foundation axis in Ifite Awka, a surveillance team from the B Division intercepted a tricycle with three passengers. He said, following a search, one of the passengers, identified as Somtochukwu Okoye from Umuike Village, Awka, was found with a locally made Beretta pistol, admitted to being a member of the Junior Viking secret cult and revealed that the gun belonged to Augustine Okafor, also known as “ABOY,” who was already in police custody for unlawful firearm possession.
In a related development, CP Orutugu said on March 27, 2025, another operation by the B Division at Dynamo Junction, Ifite Awka, led to the arrest of Richard Onwugbufo of Ugbulu village, Oraifite, who was found with a Beretta pistol and three rounds of live ammunition.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the CP also expressed sympathy to the victims of a fire incident that occurred earlier on Friday at a warehouse located at Ifejirika by Nwangene, Onitsha. While noting that no lives were lost in the inferno, he appreciated the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals for their support in extinguishing the fire, while also revealing that the police have since taken over the scene to investigate the cause and prevent criminal exploitation of the situation.
The Commissioner also took the opportunity to wish the Muslim faithful in Anambra and beyond a Happy Sallah celebration, assuring residents that the Police Command will continue to work closely with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance security operations, maintain peace, and safeguard lives and property.
He reassured the public of the Command’s dedication to combating crime and ensuring a secure environment, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by providing timely information that could aid in crime prevention and resolution.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, recalled that CP Orutugu officially assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in Anambra state on Monday, February 10, 2025, while the state has, since then, recorded significant reduction in crime rates, with multiple arrest, several rescues and assorted recoveries.
