The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant security breakthroughs over the past year, with the arrest of more than 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape and other serious crimes, alongside the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims and the recovery of over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed these developments on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka, where he presented an overview of the command’s performance for the outgoing year.
According to the police commissioner, the command also recovered more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, and successfully prosecuted several criminal cases, securing convictions against suspects involved in various offences.
CP Orutugu attributed the achievements to what he described as sustained innovation within the command, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening crime prevention strategies and improving the professional capacity of officers and men.
“These arrests and recoveries were recorded within the year under review through deliberate reforms and innovations designed to improve operational proficiency and strengthen intelligence-led policing,” he said.
He explained that crime patterns in the state fluctuated during the year, largely influenced by broader socio-economic challenges and evolving security dynamics across the country. However, despite these pressures, the command recorded a noticeable reduction in incidents of violent crime, cult-related activities, armed robbery and kidnapping in many parts of the state.
According to him, this progress was achieved through proactive policing, timely intelligence gathering, swift response to distress calls and the unwavering commitment of personnel deployed across the state.
CP Orutugu said the successes recorded were largely the result of coordinated joint security operations involving multiple agencies.
“Through intelligence-driven operations and swift responses by the joint security team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Agunaechemba and other security operatives, the command rescued 35 kidnapped victims,” he said.
He added that the joint operations also led to the arrest of over 300 suspects connected to various criminal activities, the recovery of more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives, and the retrieval of over 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles.
Among the notable breakthroughs highlighted by the commissioner was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, the late Justice Azuka, in Onitsha. He said the suspects, including the gang leader, were apprehended following sustained intelligence efforts.
The police chief also revealed that the command arrested suspects responsible for the killing of three Cameroonian nationals in the state and successfully recovered the bodies of the victims.
“These cases underscore our determination to ensure that criminals, regardless of their background or motives, are brought to justice,” Orutugu said.
Despite the successes recorded, the commissioner acknowledged that the command faced several challenges during the year, including the constantly evolving tactics of criminal elements, occasional resistance during operations, misinformation and limited cooperation from some members of the public.
He noted, however, that these challenges had strengthened the command’s resolve to further refine its strategies and improve operational effectiveness in the coming year.
“As a command, we recognise that criminals are constantly changing their methods. This reality compels us to continuously adapt, retrain our personnel and upgrade our operational approaches,” he said.
CP Orutugu also reaffirmed that the use of knock-out substances and other social explosives remains prohibited in Anambra State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security agency.
As the festive season approaches, the commissioner announced that the command has deployed enhanced security measures across the state to ensure a peaceful celebration for residents and visitors.
“We have put in place robust security arrangements across major roads, public spaces, places of worship and recreational centres to ensure that the festive period is enjoyed without fear or disruption,” he said.
He urged members of the public to comply with safety advisories, cooperate with security personnel and avoid actions that could compromise public safety.
CP Orutugu emphasised that, as the lead agency in internal security, the Nigeria Police Force recognises that the ultimate assessment of its performance rests with the people of Anambra State.
“While we acknowledge that we are not yet where we aspire to be in achieving total security, it is important to note that the cooperation, trust and timely support we received from Ndi Anambra significantly contributed to the successes recorded during the year under review,” he said.
He highlighted several other accomplishments of the command, including the disruption of multiple kidnapping syndicates operating across different local government areas, the dismantling of criminal hideouts and identified black spots through sustained raids and patrols, and the strengthening of community policing structures to ensure that residents remain active stakeholders in security matters.
The commissioner also pointed to improved inter-agency collaboration, which he said resulted in successful joint operations and major breakthroughs across the state.
According to him, these collective efforts contributed to several incident-free major events in Anambra State during the year, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the successful conduct of governorship and local government elections.
He further noted the gradual return of normal social life in previously volatile areas such as Ihiala, where weddings, birthday celebrations and other community events are now being held without intimidation or harassment.
“As we prepare to enter a new year, we reaffirm our commitment to a safer and more secure Anambra State. The command will continue to strengthen its capacity, deepen community partnerships and intensify operations to ensure that every resident feels protected,” CP Orutugu said.
The police commissioner expressed profound appreciation to the Anambra State Government for its continuous support to the command, as well as to sister security agencies for their sustained cooperation and synergy.
He also thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders, town unions and community vigilante groups for their collaboration, and commended the media for what he described as accurate and responsible reportage.
Above all, CP Orutugu expressed gratitude to Ndi Anambra for their trust, partnership and timely sharing of information, noting that community support remains critical to sustaining the gains recorded in the fight against crime in the state.
