The Anambra State Police Command has detailed significant achievements in the state’s fight against crime throughout 2024 and recent weeks, including the rescue of stolen children, dismantling of criminal camps, and recovery of a large cache of weapons. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, revealed this during a press briefing in Awka on Monday.
The briefing revealed impressive statistics: over 300 suspects were arrested for various crimes, with more than 30 convictions secured. The Command successfully rescued 14 kidnapping victims and recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including 43 unexploded improvised devices and more than 100 different firearms ranging from AK-47s to locally manufactured pistols.
Among the most notable recoveries were 2,937 rounds of ammunition of various types and approximately 40 stolen vehicles. The Commissioner stated that these achievements represent a significant shift in the state’s security landscape.
“Efforts at reducing crime and criminality are yielding positive results, and you will agree with me that we are changing the narrative,” CP stated Itam during the briefing.
Several recent high-profile cases were highlighted, including a December 24, 2024, joint security operation that successfully dismantled a criminal camp in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area. This operation, involving the Nigeria Police Force, Military, Civil Defence, and Anambra Vigilante operatives, led to the recovery of 19 unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the destruction of makeshift structures used by criminal elements.
In early December, the Anti-Cultism Squad achieved significant breakthroughs in Enugu Ukwu. On December 7, a raid in Umunaga Village, Awka South LGA, resulted in the arrest of two suspects: 27-year-old Okechukwu Chinwuko and 22-year-old Ezenwa Chinedu. The operation led to the recovery of a pump action gun, live cartridges, and other weapons. Two female victims of sexual abuse were also rescued during this operation.
On December 6, the Special Anti-Cultism Squad arrested 18-year-old Miracle Mwakalor in Umubele village, recovering an AK47 rifle and magazine. The arrest disrupted a planned attack in Nibo, with the suspect leading officers to recover weapons hidden in an apartment roof in Ubuofu Awka.
In a disturbing case of domestic violence turned fatal, the Command revealed that it is currently processing suspects involved in the murder of Chibuzor Okeke in Oko. The victim’s brother, Chidiebere Okeke, and cousin, Emebo Ogochukwu, are accused of beating him to death over allegations of burglary and attempting to conceal the crime by burying him in a shallow grave on their compound.
The Command also reported progress in combating child trafficking, with the rescue of four children allegedly stolen from Bauchi State. Four suspects, including an illegal foster mother, were arrested in connection with this case. Efforts are underway to reunite the identified children with their families.
The Commissioner highlighted the success of various community policing initiatives, including the establishment of community policing committees and the launch of “Operation Udo Ga Chi.” These programmes, he noted, have strengthened ties between law enforcement and local communities, contributing to improved intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
The Command’s achievements in 2024 included the elimination of masterminds behind attacks on the Police Rapid Response Squad in Uruagu Nnewi; the arrest of a notorious kidnapper known as “Pablo,” who had been terrorising multiple states; the successful oversight of local government elections; and enhanced community engagement through security advocacy visits.
Looking ahead, CP Itam outlined the Command’s focus for 2025, saying, “Our focus this year is to consolidate on these gains in crime prevention and restoration of law and order.” He acknowledged the support of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, along with sister agencies, media, vigilante operatives, and civil society groups.
The Commissioner concluded by urging continued public cooperation through the “see something, say something” initiative, adding that security remains a collective responsibility. He also called on journalists to verify facts before publication, ensuring accurate reporting of security matters.
These developments mark significant progress in Anambra State’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and security, with the Police Command demonstrating renewed commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
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