Easter Warning: CP Questions Masked VIP Security in Anambra

CP Ikioye Orutugu

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has called on all security agencies operating within the state to ensure that their personnel are properly identified at all times while carrying out routine or protective duties.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the use of masks should be limited strictly to clearly defined tactical operations sanctioned by the appropriate authorities.

He said  that the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and public trust in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

However, the Commissioner expressed serious concern over the growing trend of some security operatives concealing their identities while providing protection to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) within the state.

The Command noted that while certain security duties may require tactical discretion, masking identities without proper authorization raises significant security concerns.

Orutugu further observed that such practices not only pose a potential threat to public safety but also undermine trust, accountability, and the integrity of inter-agency collaboration.

CP Ikioye Orutugu reiterated that identifiable security personnel remain a critical component of coordinated security operations, particularly in an environment that demands synergy among various agencies.

“The use of masks by operatives, especially in non-operational or public-facing assignments such as VIP protection, makes it difficult to verify legitimacy and could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts under the guise of security duties,” he said.