Anambra Secure for Christmas:CP Orutugu Urges Residents to Return Home

Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, briefing journalists along other security chiefs in the state on Wednesday on the achievements recorded during the year

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assured Ndi Anambra of adequate security throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The Police Commissioner also urged Anambrarians, both within and outside the state, to return home en masse for the Yuletide celebrations, assuring them that security agencies in the state are working collaboratively to protect lives and property.

CP Orutugu gave this assurance on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the achievements of the Anambra State Police Command over the past year.

The briefing took place at the State Police Headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.

“As we enter the festive season, the Command has deployed robust and comprehensive security measures across the state to ensure that residents and visitors enjoy a peaceful and crime-free celebration,” he said.

CP Orutugu, while giving the breakdown of the command achievements in the year,said the Police Command, working in synergy with other security agencies, successfully rescued 35 kidnapped victims and arrested over 300 suspects linked to crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape, and other serious offences.

He disclosed that during the period under review, the Command recovered over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous weapons, thereby significantly reducing the firepower available of the criminal elements in the state.

The Police Commissioner further stated that more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered, while several criminal cases were diligently investigated, prosecuted, and successfully concluded with convictions secured in court.

According to him, one of the major highlights of the Command’s achievements was the re-arrest of the suspects involved in the killing of the late member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka, in Onitsha, including the alleged gang leader.

He also noted the arrest of suspects connected to the murder of three Cameroonian nationals, as well as the successful recovery of the victims’ bodies, which brought some measure of closure to the affected families.

CP Orutugu further revealed that the Command recorded notable successes in dismantling multiple kidnapping syndicates operating across several Local Government Areas. These achievements were made possible through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, targeted raids, and the destruction of criminal hideouts and identified black spots across the state.

He added that the Police Command has strengthened community policing structures, ensuring that residents remain active stakeholders in security matters by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.

The Police Commissioner also highlighted improved inter-agency collaboration, which has resulted in successful joint security operations and significant operational breakthroughs across the state.

“As a result of these sustained efforts, Anambra State witnessed incident-free major activities, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the state, the successful conduct of the Governorship and Local Government Elections, and the gradual return of normal social life in Ihiala. Social events such as weddings, birthdays, and other community gatherings are now held without intimidation or harassment,” he stated.

CP Orutugu explained that these gains were achieved through intelligence-driven operations and swift responses by the Joint Security Team, comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Agụnaechemba, and other security operatives.

According to him, these collaborative efforts have contributed to the gradual restoration of peace and security across the state.

He, however, acknowledged that despite the recorded successes, the Command faced challenges, particularly the evolving tactics of criminal elements, as well as occasional resistance, misinformation, and non-cooperation from a few members of the public.

CP Orutugu noted that these challenges have only strengthened the resolve of the Command to continually review and improve its strategies, enhance operational effectiveness, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a safer Anambra State in the coming year.