Chinedum Elekwachi
The Anambra State Police Command has rescued 35 kidnapped victims, arrested over 300 criminal suspects, and recovered more than 2,000 arms and ammunition across the state within the year.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Police Headquarters in Amawbia while reviewing the Command’s security operations, achievements, and challenges.
Orutugu said the Joint Security Force (JSF) recorded major breakthroughs through proactive policing and intelligence-led operations, despite persistent challenges posed by the changing tactics of criminal elements, particularly secessionist agitators.
“Although we have not yet achieved the level of total security we aspire to, the cooperation, trust, and timely support from residents played a critical role in the successes recorded during the year,” he said.
According to him, crime patterns fluctuated during the year due to socio-economic pressures and evolving national security dynamics. However, he noted that sustained patrols, targeted raids, and officers’ commitment led to a noticeable reduction in violent crimes, cult-related activities, armed robbery, and kidnapping in many parts of the state.
Highlighting key achievements, the Police Commissioner said the Command disrupted several kidnapping syndicates operating across multiple local government areas, dismantled criminal hideouts and black spots, and strengthened community policing structures to keep residents actively involved in security efforts.
He listed the Command’s accomplishments to include the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims; the arrest of more than 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape, and other serious offences; and the recovery of over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items.
Orutugu added that the Police also recovered more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, and successfully prosecuted several criminal cases, securing convictions.
Despite the gains, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the evolving tactics of criminal groups and occasional resistance, misinformation, and non-cooperation from some members of the public.
“These challenges have only strengthened our resolve to refine our strategies and improve our operational effectiveness in the coming year,” he assured.
