The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has assumed office with a pledge to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against police extortion and misconduct while introducing an intelligence-led policing strategy to strengthen security across the state.
Ama, the 36th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, made the pledge during his maiden briefing with journalists at the State Police Command headquarters in Amawbia.
He also announced that the Anambra State Police Command would bear the full medical expenses of the only surviving child among four children recently found unconscious in Ideani, Idemili South Local Government Area. Three of the children later died, while the fourth remains under intensive medical care.
Command would closely monitor the survivor’s treatment while ensuring a thorough and professional investigation into the incident.
Ama outlined a policing agenda centred on intelligence gathering, technology-driven operations, stronger criminal investigations, community partnership and public trust.
He said conventional policing alone could no longer effectively address evolving security threats, stressing that the Command would review its operational strategies to improve crime prevention and accelerate investigations.
“The Command will pursue intelligence-led and technology-driven policing while deepening collaboration with other security agencies, traditional institutions, organised vigilante groups, community leaders, youths, women and other critical stakeholders,” the CP vowed.
Ama declared that his administration would operate a strict zero-extortion policy, warning officers and personnel against intimidation, harassment, corruption and other forms of misconduct capable of eroding public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
“Any form of extortion or misconduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under my leadership,” he warned.
He explained that law-abiding residents must be able to conduct their legitimate activities without fear of harassment or unnecessary interference.
The Commissioner also addressed the growing practice of civilians recording police officers during official duties, saying citizens have the right to document alleged misconduct or abuse of office.
He, however, cautioned against using recordings to obstruct officers carrying out lawful responsibilities or deliberately provoke confrontations.
According to him, effective policing depends on public confidence, noting that residents are more likely to share intelligence and cooperate with security agencies when officers act professionally and within the law.
Ama pledged to strengthen community policing across the state, particularly in communities affected by insecurity and periodic sit-at-home disruptions that have impacted social and economic activities in parts of the South-East.
The Commissioner urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and criminal activities, emphasising that policing is a shared responsibility.
He also assured journalists of an open working relationship with the media, describing them as indispensable partners in promoting public safety.
Ama called on media practitioners to uphold professionalism through factual, balanced and responsible reporting, particularly during periods of heightened security concern.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Ama has more than three decades of service in the Nigeria Police Force.
Before his deployment to Anambra State, he served as Commissioner of Police, Intelligence and Training, at the Force Intelligence Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, after previously serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the same department.
A native of Ekata in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ama holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Jos.
He has served in several strategic positions, including Area Commander, Nnewi; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department; Commanding Officer of several Police Mobile Force units; and Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command.
Ama said his administration would build on existing security gains in Anambra State while strengthening partnerships with government, security agencies and local communities to improve public safety and ensure a secure environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
