● Correspondent – at – Large

The Anambra State Police Command has reported a growing wave of public support for its renewed security efforts under Operation Udo Ga Achi – Zero Kidnapping, aimed at tackling violent crimes and restoring peace across the state, especially on Mondays.

In a press release issued today, April 21, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, noted that residents across Anambra have expressed exhaustion over criminal elements who have continued to disrupt peace and paralyze economic activities, particularly through the notorious Monday sit-at-home enforcement.

“The people of Anambra have had enough. They are tired of these threats to their peace and economy,” the statement read. “There is now a stronger commitment among residents to collaborate with security agencies and expose criminal elements.”

CP Orutugu commended the growing resilience of the citizens and pledged the Command’s unwavering commitment to community-focused policing, intelligence-driven operations, and the rule of law.

The ongoing Operation Udo Ga Achi has seen the deployment of joint security patrols and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in strategic locations, including Awka, Nnewi, Ihiala, Onitsha, Ogidi, and Otuocha. These measures are designed to build public confidence and ensure the safety of all residents.

The Anambra Police Command reassures citizens that it will continue to intensify its efforts until all forms of violent crimes are uprooted and a peaceful, secure environment is fully restored. GMTNewsng

● Boniface Oyebanji 

A Joint Security Team comprising operatives from the Uli Police Division and local vigilantes on patrol under Operation Udo Ga Achi – Zero Kidnapping has arrested two armed suspects after a fierce gun duel with a criminal gang in Amorka, Uli, along the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

The incident occurred on April 19, 2025, during a routine security patrol aimed at clamping down on kidnapping and armed banditry in the area. The patrol team encountered hoodlums riding motorcycles and engaged them in a shootout, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Police authorities identified the arrested suspects as Chigozie Johnson and one Umuerima, both from Oguta and aged between 30 and 32. According to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects confessed to being part of a larger criminal gang on a mission when they were intercepted.

“One pump action gun and two motorcycles were recovered at the scene,” SP Ikenga confirmed in a press release issued on Saturday. He added that the suspects are assisting the police with further investigation.

Ikenga also noted that during a follow-up search in a nearby bush, operatives discovered heavy blood stains, suggesting that some members of the gang may have escaped with gunshot injuries.

“In light of this, the Command urges all medical practitioners, especially those operating private and public hospitals, to report any individuals with bullet wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station,” the police spokesperson appealed.

He emphasized that timely reports from the public could aid in the swift apprehension of the fleeing suspects and prevent the regrouping of the gang.

The operation is part of the ongoing Operation Udo Ga Achi – Zero Kidnapping initiative designed to ensure the safety and security of communities along key transportation routes in the state.

SP Ikenga reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to sustaining security dominance through regular patrols and targeted intelligence-driven operations.

The police further encouraged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to assist in crime prevention and quick response. GMTNewsng

● Ferdy Agu 

In a bid to strengthen security operations in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioners of Police for Anambra and Enugu States, CP Ikioye Orutugu and CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, convened on Monday to strategize on proactive measures for policing the two neighboring states.

The high-level security meeting, held at the Anambra State Command Headquarters in Awka, was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of Operations from both commands, alongside other senior officers.

In a joint press statement issued after the meeting, the Police Public Relations Officers for Anambra and Enugu Commands, SP Tochukwu Ikenga and SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the discussions centered on tackling the cross-infiltration of criminals between the two states. According to the statement, the Commissioners acknowledged this as a significant security challenge requiring urgent intervention to curb violent crimes and neutralize subversive criminal activities.

To address this, both police chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the deployment of combined operational resources to secure their respective states, particularly at border areas.

“The Commissioners reiterated their commitment to decisively combat all forms of crime and criminality in both states, with the aim of ensuring maximum public security and safety,” the statement read. They further issued a stern warning to criminals operating within the states, urging them to repent or be prepared to face the full weight of the law. GMTNewsng