By Capital Watch Media
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has held a press briefing on January 6, 2025, at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka, focused on significant law enforcement successes and ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state.
He noted that since January 2024, the Anambra Police Command has made substantial progress in reducing criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, and attacks on both the public and security personnel. CP Itam emphasized the positive results of their efforts in tackling these issues.
He outlined the achievements to include, the arrest of over 300 suspects involved in various crimes, with more than 30 convictions secured with rials for other suspects are ongoing.
Also stated the rescue of 14 kidnapped victims, all unharmed, recovery of over 43 unexploded improvised devices.
The seizure of over 100 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally made pistols.The recovery of nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, return of approximately 40 stolen vehicles and recovery of several motorcycles and other items connected to ongoing investigations.
CP Itam also noted that some suspects involved in violent attacks on security forces and civilians had been eliminated during shootouts, while others were arrested in separate police operations. Notable breakthroughs include the elimination of masterminds behind the attack on police operatives in Nnewi, the arrest of an 18-year-old boy planning a cult killing in Nibo, and the destruction of criminal camps, including one in Nimo, Njikoka LGA, where 19 unexploded devices were recovered.
The police also apprehended Pablo, a notorious kidnapper who had been terrorizing Anambra, Enugu, and Delta States, along with two other cultists in Awka. The operation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, live cartridges, cutlasses, criminal charms, and substances suspected to be hard drugs. Two female victims were rescued during this operation.
The success of the local government elections in 2024 was also highlighted, as the police continued to engage communities through security advocacy visits and the establishment of Community Policing Committees. CP Itam urged residents to take ownership of security and collaborate with law enforcement and other stakeholders.
In another significant development, the Anambra Police recently rescued three children who had been stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold in Anambra. Four suspects, including an illegal foster mother, were arrested, and one child has been identified. Efforts are underway to reunite the child with their family.
CP Itam also addressed a case involving the murder of Chibuzor Okeke, who was allegedly killed by his brother and cousin in Oko. The two suspects buried the body in a shallow grave after the victim died from injuries sustained during a beating. The suspects have been arrested and are under investigation.
He said, looking ahead, the police aim to strengthen crime prevention efforts through continued advocacy and the launch of “Operation Udo Ga Chi.” CP Itam reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and maintaining law and order in Anambra.
The Commissioner thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, and various security agencies for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the media, community organizations, and residents for their cooperation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in security efforts.
CP Itam stressed that security is everyone’s esponsibility as he encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the police.
