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The Anambra State Police Command said its operatives have rescued 35 kidnap victims, arrested over 300 criminal suspects, and recovered more than 2,000 arms, ammunition and explosives, as well as over 60 stolen vehicles across the state this year, 2025.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, who made the disclosure, yesterday, during an end-of-year press briefing at the State Police Command Headquarters, in Awka, said the achievements were made possible through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and sustained cooperation from residents of the state.
Orutugu said that crime patterns in the state fluctuated during the year due to socio-economic realities and evolving security dynamics nationwide. He listed the disruption of multiple kidnapping syndicates operating across several local government areas, dismantling of criminal hideouts and black spots through sustained raids, and the strengthening of community policing structures to ensure residents remain active stakeholders in security, as part of the command’s achievements.
The commissioner attributed the successful joint security operations and significant breakthroughs to what he described as improved inter-agency collaboration. He noted a gradual return of normal social life in Ihiala, where, he said, weddings, birthdays, and other community events are now being held without intimidation or harassment.
Orutugu said intelligence-driven operations and swift responses by a joint security team, comprising the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Agunaechemba, and other security operatives led to the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims.
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He added that over 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape and other serious offences were arrested during the year, while more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items, were recovered.
He said the command also recovered over 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, and successfully prosecuted several criminal cases, securing convictions. Orutugu said the highpoint of their achievements this year was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the gang leader.
He also confirmed the arrest of suspects responsible for the murder of three Cameroonians and the recovery of the victims’ bodies.
Despite the recorded successes, the commissioner acknowledged challenges such as the evolving tactics of criminal elements and occasional resistance, misinformation, and non-cooperation from some members of the public. He assured residents that the command would continue to refine its strategies and improve operational effectiveness in the coming year.
The commissioner said the command had deployed robust security measures across the state this festive season and urged residents to remain vigilant.
