CP in Abuja, briefs IGP on Anambra security situation

Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono Itam, was at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, recently to brief the Inspector General Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, on the security situation in the state.

After the meeting, he said: “The command arrested 200 suspects for various crimes. We have secured five convictions and more trials are on going. We recovered arms and ammunition at the various scenes of crime.

“My five months in the state witnessed tremendously improvement in the area of security. We have dealt with criminals especially, kidnappers and armed robbers. We have arrested 30 suspected armed robbers and kidnappers. We rescued eight victims and recovered 50kg containing four cartons of 170 pieces of live cartridges along Port Hacourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha.

“The command has sent a good message to the people in their resolve to sustain the message of peace by standing up against illegal sit-at-home order by criminal elements. We have charged    our personnel deployed for this assignment to be resolute, firm and professional in the discharge of their duties.

“Also we urge residents to remain vigilant, be law abiding and continue to assist the police with information as we synergize and collaborate towards combating all forms of criminality. We didn’t give the hoodlums chance to operate. My officers are at alert and 48-hour patrol with other security agencies including vigilance group and hunters to complement the work.

“Operatives laid ambush along Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha. The convener on sighting the police took to his heel. Operatives in Aguta rescued an abducted victim at Umuchiana village, Ekwulobia Aguta LG. The suspected kidnappers abandoned their vehicle along Umunze Road, Orumba South LG and ran to nearby bush.

“We have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers operating in different places in Awka and recovered some arms and ammunition from them. Operatives also arrested some miscreants under Oba flyover Idemili South, intercepting five suspected armed robbers operating on motorbikes. They demobilised one illegal sit-at-home enforcer, recovered one locally made pistol, four expanded cartridges and phones.

“We arrested a notorious cultist and armed robber and recovered locally made pistol and four live ammunition. I have charged my 53 DPOs, area commanders, tactical commanders and sectional heads to be up and doing.

“I have directed all officers to advance a strategy of community policing principles anchored on mutual trust, understanding and partnership with the public. They should dominate their areas of responsibility in enhancing safety and maintaining public order.

“Officers need to shun corruption and adopt more effective intelligence gathering techniques to surmount security challenges.”