…the police, as the lead agency in internal security, recognised that its performance was ultimately measured by the safety and confidence of the people of Anambra State.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on Wednesday said joint security agencies in the state have rescued about 35 kidnapped victims and arrested nearly 300 suspected criminals since the beginning of 2025.
Orutugu made the disclosure during a press briefing at the police command headquarters in Awka, noting that the coordinated operations also led to the recovery of more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items.
He added that about 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered, while several criminal cases were prosecuted successfully, resulting in convictions.
According to the police commissioner, the joint security team comprises the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Agunaechemba and other security outfits.
Addressing journalists, Orutugu said the police, as the lead agency in internal security, recognised that its performance was ultimately measured by the safety and confidence of the people of Anambra State.
While admitting that total security had not yet been achieved, he stressed that cooperation, trust and timely support from residents played a major role in the successes recorded.
He noted that crime patterns fluctuated during the year due to socio-economic factors and changing security dynamics nationwide, but said proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations and the commitment of officers helped reduce violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping in many parts of the state.
According to him, improved response times, increased visibility patrols and stronger community partnerships contributed significantly to stabilising the security situation.
Highlighting key achievements, Orutugu said several kidnapping syndicates operating across different local government areas were disrupted, criminal hideouts dismantled and identified black spots cleared through sustained raids and patrols.
He added that community policing structures were strengthened, making residents active participants in security efforts, while improved inter-agency collaboration led to major operational breakthroughs.
The commissioner said these efforts ensured the smooth conduct of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the state, the successful governorship and local government elections, and the gradual return of social activities in Ihiala, with community events now holding without fear or harassment.
One of the major breakthroughs, he said, was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the alleged gang leader, as well as the arrest of suspects linked to the murder of three Cameroonian nationals and the recovery of their bodies.
Despite the gains, Orutugu acknowledged challenges such as evolving criminal tactics, occasional resistance, misinformation and lack of cooperation from some members of the public, but said these issues had only strengthened the command’s resolve to improve its strategies.
As the festive season approaches, he said robust security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations, urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid explosives and harmful substances, report suspicious activities, obey traffic rules, secure their homes and use designated motor parks.
He commended Ndi Anambra for their continued support, information sharing and assistance in renovating police facilities across the state.
Orutugu concluded by reaffirming the command’s commitment to strengthening capacity, deepening community partnerships and intensifying operations to ensure a safer and more secure Anambra State in the coming year.
