The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 57 suspects, rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered 18 firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition in a month-long security operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, disclosed this during an operational visit to the command headquarters in Amawbia, Awka, by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, Miller Gajere Dantawye.
Ama, who assumed office on August 10, said the command’s policing strategy was anchored on intelligence-led operations, community engagement, inter-agency cooperation, accountability and the strategic use of technology.
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He explained that the 57 suspects were arrested in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, murder and other serious offences.
The command also destroyed a criminal camp in Amiyi, Ogbaru Local Government Area, as part of efforts to disrupt kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other organised crimes in the state.
Ama said the recovery of the firearms and ammunition was part of efforts to weaken criminal networks operating across the state.
Three kidnapped victims were rescued and safely returned, including Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor and a Catholic priest, Ama disclosed.
He said the command had strengthened security cooperation with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, market groups, youth and women’s organisations and other stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“These engagements have enabled us to listen directly to the concerns of Ndi Anambra, identify security challenges peculiar to different communities and develop practical, collective responses,” Ama stated.
The command has also incorporated drones into its operations for surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring difficult terrain, while strengthening technology-based command-and-control systems.
Ama cited the investigation into the killing of a nursing student in Alor as an example of the command’s approach to professional investigations.
Ama explained that police arrested the actual suspect and presented facts that led to the exoneration of an earlier suspect.
The commissioner said the command had also maintained security around critical infrastructure and strategic locations, including areas affected by the closure of the First Niger Bridge for maintenance.
He noted that a joint security team comprising personnel from several security agencies had been deployed to protect road users and facilitate the movement of people and vehicles.
Ama said police also coordinated security for the Aug. 29 local government elections in Anambra and the Sept. 10 visit to the state by the wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with both events conducted without major security incidents.
Speaking during the visit, Dantawye commended the Anambra Command for its operational gains but urged officers to make discipline, professionalism and respect for citizens central to their duties.
He said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had directed that officers must maintain discipline and uphold the integrity of the Force while carrying out their responsibilities.
Dantawye warned against impunity, corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct, urging officers to treat members of the public with civility and respect.
“We must try always to do the right thing to maintain and sustain the integrity of the Force,” Dantawye said.
He directed commanders within Police Zone 13, which covers Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states, to strengthen intelligence networks and intensify operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug-related offences and other violent crimes.
He also called for deeper cooperation between the police and local communities.
Dantawye announced plans for nationwide training and retraining of police officers in intelligence gathering and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He urged officers to combine operational effectiveness with strict observance of the rule of law and protection of human rights, stressing that public confidence and community cooperation were essential to effective policing.
Ama said the Anambra Command would sustain intelligence-driven operations, visibility patrols and rapid response while continuing to work with other security agencies and community stakeholders.
He appealed for additional training and logistical support to improve the command’s operational capacity.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and disrupting criminal networks across Anambra State.
