The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered all formations and operational units of the command to apprehend the attackers responsible for the killing of two police officers within 48 hours.
Orutugu issued the directive on Monday during an emergency security meeting with senior police officers and heads of operations at the state police command headquarters.
The police commissioner called for immediate and decisive action, warning that attacks on security personnel would not be tolerated under his leadership.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
The CP further said, “I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” he said.
According to him, the slain officers deserve justice, stressing that the command would not fold its arms while criminals continue to target police personnel.
“I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot continue to take advantage of the night to unleash violence in the state.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he added.
Orutugu also cautioned residents to be vigilant and wary of individuals posing as security operatives at checkpoints.
“Some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he warned.
The commissioner further advised motorists and commuters to exercise caution while travelling along the Amansea-Ufuma Road, describing the route as an isolated stretch increasingly being exploited by criminal elements.
Isolated route
“The Amansea-Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said.
He, however, reassured residents that the command remained committed and battle-ready to safeguard lives and property across the state.
He expressed confidence that major breakthroughs would be recorded within the next 48 hours.
The directive followed Sunday night’s attack on security operatives attached to the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo.
Nwankwo was said to have attended an event on behalf of the governor and was returning to Awka when gunmen reportedly ambushed his convoy and other road users along the Amansea-Ufuma Road around 8:30 p.m.
The attack claimed the lives of two police officers and civilians, while the Chief of Staff escaped unhurt, reportedly due to the swift response of his driver.
