A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was kidnapped on Sunday morning at a petrol station in Ichida, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State by gunmen in a white Lexus SUV without a license plate has been rescued by security operatives.
The operation was carried out by a combined team comprising the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Anambra Vigilante Services (AVG).
Police public relations officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the kidnappers were forced to abandon their vehicle after encountering the superior firepower of the security team.
However, they managed to flee with the priest before he was eventually rescued.
Ikenga assured residents that security agencies remain committed to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of citizens in the state.