The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, in a press briefing on Friday, at the Police Command Headquarters in Amawbia, Awka, the state capital, expressed sympathy for the victims of a fire that broke out early on March 28, 2025, at a warehouse in Ifejirika by Nwangene, Onitsha. The incident, which destroyed goods valued at hundreds of millions, fortunately resulted in no loss of life. CP Orutugu acknowledged the prompt response of the Fire Service and community members who helped extinguish the blaze, and assured that the police are investigating the cause while preventing potential criminal exploitation of the situation.
During the briefing, CP Orutugu also highlighted the significant breakthroughs achieved by the police over the past two weeks in their ongoing battle against crime. He reported that through collaborative efforts with the military, Anambra State Vigilantes, and other security agencies, the police have rescued four kidnapped victims, including a Catholic priest, and arrested over ten suspects.
Among the notable operations, on March 23, 2025, a joint security team rescued Rev. Father Stephen Echezona from his abductors in Ichida. The operation involved a fierce gunfight with the kidnappers, who were using an unregistered white Lexus SUV. Likewise, on March 22, 2025, the police rescued three additional victims from a kidnapping along the Onitsha/Owerri Express Road. These victims, injured during their captivity, were rushed to the hospital and are currently recovering.
CP Orutugu also detailed other successful operations, including the arrest of Kosiso Okonkwo, a member of a local confraternity, who was apprehended with a Beretta pistol on the Obosi/Nkpor Expressway. Additionally, on March 18, officers apprehended two suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem (22) and Favour Patrick (19), at an uncompleted building in Awka, seizing a pump-action gun and suspected stolen phones.
Continuing these efforts, police operatives from the B Division recently intercepted a suspicious tricycle on March 26, discovering a locally made Beretta pistol belonging to a member of the Junior Viking secret cult. Furthermore, on March 27, another suspect, Richard Onwugbufo from Ugbulu, was apprehended with a Beretta pistol and live ammunition during a targeted operation.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations,” CP Orutugu stated, asserting the command’s commitment to uphold internal security.
In addition to addressing the fire incident and recent security successes, CP Orutugu extended warm Eid al-Fitr greetings to Muslim communities in Anambra and beyond, promising enhanced security measures during the festivities. He reassured the public that the Police Command would continue to work collaboratively with local vigilantes and military forces to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents, urging citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities.
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