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Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Ikoye Orutugu, has vowed to clamp down on criminal elements threatening the state, just as 55 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists were arrested.
He spoke at the Inspector General [IGP] conference in Abuja: “We have declared war against criminals. We are able to reduce crime to barest minimum, and we will continue to ensure that the state is crime-free.
“Meanwhile, there are measures put in place including planned operations in the hinter lands to rid communities of criminals, patrols within the metropolis, intelligence gathering for proactive policing, raids of black spots and stop-and-search operations.
“We want to thank the state government for giving us operation vehicles and moral support to flush out the criminals out of the state, including other security agencies, local security outfits and other stakeholders. This enabled us to imbibe community policing, paving the way to smoke criminals out of their hideouts.
“Our aim is to assess the operational effectiveness of the units, identify, challenges and implement effective solutions. Within the last five months, the command recorded huge success by arresting criminals from different locations and hideouts. Some of the suspects have been charged to court, others are still under investigation.
“During patrol, police raided criminals’ hideouts in Onitsha, Awka, Onitsha-Owerri Expressway and Awka-Enugu Expressway, arrested 26 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists. Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government, arrested eight suspects linked to cult-related activities.
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“The Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Nnobi, stormed a bush located at Umuezeala Awuda village, Nnobi in Idemili South LG, rescued an abducted victim, arrested three notorious kidnappers and recovered a ransom of N460,000.
“Operatives of the state Criminal Investigation Department [SCID], Awka and the Police Amichi Division arrested a 35-year-old over the murder of his cousin of which corpse was exhumed after eight months of the victim’s disappearance in Amichi. They also arraigned two suspects in connection with the murder of some workers in Onitsha, recovering N6 million from the suspects.
“Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkwuzu, arrested three suspected armed robbers and members of a cult in Ogidi, Idemili North LG. Two suspected kidnappers arrested and their victim rescued in Malaysia forest, Iruayika, Awkuzu.
“We are strengthened by the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu. He has repeatedly maintained his stance on professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
“Officers have been directed to be professional, firm and courteous in the discharge of their duties and imbibe community policing. They are also advised on discipline and integrity as core values that officers must uphold. Officers should shun corruption and illegal duty. They should have good relationship with the public and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens.
“The command is to ensure the protection of life and maintain law and order. The command has continued to intensify efforts in combating crimes. We urge residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with timely and actionable pieces of information.”
