…as Command recovers 300 arms, 20 explosives, 20 vehicles, destroys 5 criminal camps, others
Anambra Police Command for the past six months have recorded significant positive achievements in curbing crimes within the state. This is also a testament of dedication, proactiveness to duty and diligence of the Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, who was posted early this year.
Such achievements were the display of weaponry, at the Police Command of Tuesday 9th Sept, 2025 during a Press brieing with journalists.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD expressed that the Command have made significant achievements, Challenges and progress within the last six months since assumption of office.
According to Orutugu, “Upon assumption, we made a firm commitment to restore public confidence in policing, strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, and ensure that Anambra remains a safe and secure state for all residents and visitors”.
“In a decisive move to combat kidnapping, violent crimes, and other criminal activities, the Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched Operation Zero Kidnapping. This joint operation has significantly disrupted the activities of criminal gangs and brought the rate of kidnapping in the state to zero”.
“In the past six months, the Command has recorded significant achievements, including: Recovery of over 300 arms, 20 explosives, more than 1000 ammunition, and more than 30 vehicles, Destruction of more than five criminal camps. Arrest of over 200 suspects, including cultists, separatist agitators, and armed robbers, secure convictions of more than 100 suspects on cases bordering sexual assualt, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other volient crimes”.
“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 Commisioner futher stated that the Command has explored the use of Alternative dispute resolution to resolve so many communal crises including the boundary dispute between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri and others.
Adding, 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, the Command organised training and orientation programmes for vigilante operatives across the state. The focus was on crime scene management, suspect handling, intelligence sharing, and lawful conduct in security operations.
“To further note improve safety, the State successfully hosted the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, also the Command was able to maintain security during the last by-election in the state. The resident now holds ceremonies without fear of any security concern”.
“With the support of stakeholders, the command has renovated key facilities, including the Rapid Response Squad at Akwuzu, 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”.
“In conclusion, 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”.
Meanwhile, the CP equally assured that the police is ever ready to cover the November 8th election while seeking Ndi Anambra to report any suspicious movement or incidence.
I was confronted with several pressing security concerns, including the disturbing case of a suspect who had escaped custody after being implicated in the kidnapping and murder of Honourable Justice Azuka, as well as other related security issues.
We began by engaging and visiting key security stakeholders to improve cooperation, strengthen intelligence sharing, and enhance operational support for the Police and other security agencies. This partnership has enhanced intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and timely crime reporting
