Breaking: Abducted Anambra billionaire Jezco founder Ezeokafor, Rev Sister regain freedom

There was relief in Anambra State on Saturday following the safe return of Chief J. J. Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister who were abducted by armed criminals at Ifite Awka.

The Anambra state Police Command confirmed that both victims had regained their freedom and safely returned, bringing relief to their families and associates after the abduction. Blueprint reports

The Command, however, said the circumstances surrounding their release were still being investigated as security agencies intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the incident.

The development came as security agencies sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations aimed at tracking the perpetrators and determining how the victims secured their freedom.

Police intensify investigation

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra state Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, welcomed the safe return of the victims but stressed that the development would not mark the end of the security operation.

“The safe return of the victims is welcome news, but our work is far from over. We are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for this criminal act,” the Command stated.

According to the police, investigators are now working to establish the circumstances surrounding the release and gather information that could assist in identifying the abductors.

The information obtained from the victims and other persons connected to the incident is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation as security agencies seek to reconstruct what happened during the period of the abduction.

The police did not disclose whether any ransom was paid for their release.

Multiple security agencies involved

The operation to track the perpetrators involves several security formations, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident.

The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba Security Operatives and other relevant security agencies are participating in the ongoing operation.

The agencies are expected to combine intelligence gathering, surveillance and field operations in an effort to locate those responsible for the abduction.

The police said the objective was not only to identify the perpetrators but also to ensure that those involved were brought to justice.

Residents urged to provide information

The Command appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist the investigation.

The appeal comes as security agencies continue efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering across communities and prevent criminal elements from exploiting gaps in local security networks.

The police also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their support and cooperation throughout the incident.

According to the Command, timely information from residents remains critical to successful security operations, particularly in cases involving abduction where perpetrators may rely on local knowledge and hideouts to evade arrest.

Safe return brings relief

The safe return of Chief Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister has brought relief to their families, friends and associates, but questions remain over the circumstances surrounding their abduction and subsequent release.

For the security agencies, attention has now shifted from the immediate rescue of the victims to the larger task of identifying those responsible.

The police have therefore continued their manhunt while seeking information that could provide leads to the suspects.

The latest development also comes amid broader efforts by security agencies in Anambra to tackle criminal activities and improve the safety of residents across the state.

While the return of the two victims is a welcome development, the authorities face the task of ensuring that the incident does not end without accountability.

For the families of the victims, the immediate priority is that their loved ones are home safely.

For the security agencies, however, the operation continues until those responsible for the abduction are identified and brought before the law.