Anambra Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, on Monday January 6th 2025, highlighted some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Command from January 2024 – to date.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
CP Itam while briefing Journalists stated that these feats include incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, public disturbances, attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, government infrastructures and other sundry offences.
“Efforts at reducing crime and criminality are yielding positive results and you will agree with me that we are changing the narrative.
“Over three hundred (300) suspects have been arrested for various crimes and we have secured over thirty (30) convictions and there are still ongoing trials.
“We have rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims unhurt, recovered over forty-three (43) unexploded improvised devices.
“We have also recovered over one hundred (100) different brands of arms which include AK47, Pump action guns, locally made pistols, and others.
“We have equally recovered over two thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven (2937) ammunition of various types and
have so far recovered about forty (40) stolen vehicles.
“We have also recovered different brands of motorcycles, amongst other exhibits in ongoing investigations.
“It is worthy to note that some of the suspects involved in various disheartening and unfortunate incidents as well as unprovoked attacks on security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public witnessed last year were eliminated during shootouts.
“Others were arrested in the cause of separate operations by the Police and Joint Security forces. Some of the breakthroughs to mention but a few are:
“Elimination of the master-minds of the attack on Police Operatives attached to RRS in Uruagu Nnewi.
“The arrest of an 18 years old boy over a planned cult killing in Nibo that led to the recovery of one AK-47 riffle hidden on the roof of an apartment in Awka.
“Destruction of so many criminal camps, but the most notable is that of Nimo, Njikoka LGA which led to the recovery of 19 unexploded devices.
“Arrest of a notorious and wanted kidnapper, named Pablo, who has been terrorizing Ihiala, Anambra State and other areas in Enugu and Delta States.
“Arrest of two notorious cultists in Awka that led to the recovery of one Pump action gun, four live cartridges, Cutlass, Criminal Charms, and substances suspected to be hard drugs. The Operatives also rescued two female victims who the suspects have forcibly abused sexually.
“Last year under review witnessed successful Local Government Elections in the State. Also, in the drive to fight all forms of criminalities, the Command embarked on security advocacy visits to Local Government Headquarters and established a Community Policing Committee to foster community engagement. Individuals were also encouraged to take ownership of security, promote a culture of security and
facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including the government and other organizations. These notwithstanding, many other successes were recorded.
“In another significant development today, the Command rescued three (3) children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold to another in the State.
“The Operatives also arrested four suspects including an illegal foster mother. The suspects confessed to the crime and narrated the role that each of them played.
” One of the children has been identified and efforts are already emplaced to unite the child with his parents.
” The Command wishes to use this opportunity to request that you assist to share the pictures of these innocent children for possible identification and unification with their parents.
“We also have here with us, the suspects that murdered their brother and buried him in a shallow grave in a compound at Oko.
“The deceased, Late Chibuzor Okeke was accused of burglary and stealing. His brother Chidiebere Okeke and his cousin Emebo Ogochukwu caught him and beat him to stupor.
” As a result, Chibuzor became unconscious and was rushed to the hospital where the doctor confirmed him dead. The two suspects in order to cover up for the incident, dug a shallow grave in their compound and buried Chibuzor.
“Our focus this year is to consolidate on the gains in crime prevention and restoration of Law and Order towards improving the safety and security of lives in Anambra State.
” By the robust advocacy on Community Policing Principles, the launch of “Operation Udo Ga Chi”, the State Police Command has expressed its willingness to stamp out crime and other forms of criminalities from our State.
“Lastly, I want to extend our gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support.
“I also appreciate the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, sister Agencies, the Media, residents of the State, Anambra State Vigilantes operatives, Civil society groups, Organizations and many others for their unflinching support.
“Please be assured that the confidence reposed on us for protection of lives and properties is not to be taken for granted.
” As you know, security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something and the Police will do something.
