Police in Anambra arrest 200 suspects, recover over 33 arms
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 200 suspects and recovered over 33 different types of firearms, including AK-47s, pump-action guns, and locally made pistols.
During a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, announced the successful operations.
“Today marks the 60th day of my service to Ndi Anambra and our dear nation. I am delighted to provide an update on our law and order activities and achievements in combating crime and criminality in the state,” he stated.
In addition to the arrests and arms recovery, the police confiscated over 1,644 rounds of various types of ammunition and recovered 27 stolen vehicles.
Itam credited these successes to innovative strategies aimed at enhancing operational proficiency and improving crime prevention.
“Upon assuming office, we reviewed and evaluated policing capabilities and threats to the state’s critical assets. We embarked on intelligence gathering through robust synergy with core sister security agencies, organized vigilante groups, and other stakeholders,” Itam said.
“Our efforts at reducing crime are yielding positive results, changing the narrative within just 60 days.”
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The Commissioner highlighted the ongoing training and retraining of officers to enhance their skills in crime prevention.
He also mentioned a recent security summit with the informal security sector, including vigilante groups and hunters, to promote inclusive policing.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to security was also praised by Itam, who noted the governor’s efforts to reposition law enforcement and restructure the security governance architecture in Anambra State.
The police command is actively engaging traditional rulers, market leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in its fight against crime.
Itam also emphasized the importance of alternative dispute resolution and community policing principles for those seeking to resolve issues without conflict.
“These developments will further strengthen our campaign against touting and cultism, particularly through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, which aims to educate youths on the dangers of bad groups, drugs, and other vices,” he added.
Addressing recent social media videos portraying the police in a negative light, Itam urged journalists to verify information with the Public Relations Department before dissemination.
He also warned those involved in criminal activities to desist, as the command is determined to address criminality without regard for status. “There are no unknown gunmen in Anambra State.
People who terrorise innocent citizens must be held accountable for their crimes,” Itam concluded.
Proofreading, editing by Sakinat Musa Abubakar and Maryam Sulaiman, Editor and Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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