…the command has destroyed five criminal camps across Anambra – Police Commissioner
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, says the command has recovered 300 arms, 20 explosives, over 1000 ammunitions and over 30 vehicles within the past six months of his leadership.
According to him, the Command under his watch, arrested over 200 suspects, including cultists, separatist agitators, and armed robbers as well as secured convictions of more than 100 suspects on cases bordering sexual assault, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes
Briefing newsmen at Police Headquarters Amawbia to mark his six months in office, CP Orutugu revealed that the command has destroyed five criminal camps across Anambra, and has brought about incidents of kidnapping to the barest minimum, resulting in the state not having any kidnapping incident in the last one month.
He noted that suspects involved in the kidnapping and killing of Hon Justice Azuka were also arrested and equally settled land disputes in some communities, all within six months.
“One of the notable successes was the re-arrest of the suspect involved in the kidnapping and murder of Honourable Justice Azuka. This breakthrough underscores our unwavering resolve to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes are brought to justice, no matter how long it takes.
“The Command has explored the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve so many communal crises including the boundary dispute between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri and others.”
While appreciating journalists for making his work easier all these while, CP Orutugu said he set the ball rolling immediately he assumed office by visiting key security stakeholders to improve security of lives and properties of Ndi Anambra, noting that they will leave no stone unturned to ensure that peace is sustained in the state.
He also appreciated Ndi Anambra for their conduct during the August 16th bye-election in the state; unlike what is witnessed in other parts of the country, and thanked the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) for the empowerment they carried out, which he said has given a boost to Police -Community relationship in parts of the state.
“Furthermore, the Command leveraging on the Platform of Police Officers’ wives Association’s (POWA) efforts to promote a positive Police – Community Relationship with the people of Anambra State by actively involved in various initiatives, including Empowering women through skills training and economic empowerment programs, providing support to Police officers and their families through counselling and welfare services, organizing community outreach programs and charitable initiatives.”
Recognising the vital role of community-based security structures, CP Orutugu said the Command organised training and orientation programmes for vigilante operatives (Agunechemba Security Outfit) across the state.
According to him, the focus was on crime scene management, suspect handling, intelligence sharing, and lawful conduct in security operations.
“With the support of stakeholders, the command has renovated key facilities, including the Rapid Response Squad at Awkuzu, Amichi Police Station, and several other police formations across the state.
“These achievements have earned the Command multiple awards and commendations, including Best Crime-Busting Command of the Year by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
“While challenges remain, our results so far reaffirm that with sustained collaboration, professionalism, and community trust, we can keep Anambra safe. I commend the command’s officers and men, our sister agencies, and the good people of Anambra State for their support,” CP Orutugu said.
CP Orutugu however assured of adequate security in all parts of the state before, during and after the November 8 Governorship election in the state.
