By Uche Kalu
The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday, December 17th said it recorded a noticeable reduction in violent crimes across the state in 2025, rescuing no fewer than 35 kidnapped victims and arresting over 300 suspects linked to various serious offences.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, Awka, as part of activities to review the Command’s performance for the year ending.
Orutugu said the achievements were made possible through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, improved response times, enhanced visibility patrols, and stronger collaboration with communities and sister security agencies. He noted that while the Command was not yet where it aspired to be in achieving total security, the cooperation and trust of Ndi Anambra played a critical role in stabilising the security environment.
According to him, crime patterns fluctuated during the year due to prevailing socio-economic realities and evolving security dynamics nationwide. However, incidents of violent crime, cult-related activities, armed robbery and kidnapping were significantly reduced in most parts of the state.
Among the major accomplishments recorded by the Command were the disruption of multiple kidnapping syndicates operating across several local government areas, dismantling of criminal hideouts and identified black spots through sustained raids, and the strengthening of community policing structures to ensure residents remained active stakeholders in security.
He added that improved inter-agency collaboration led to successful joint operations and significant breakthroughs, resulting in the recovery of over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items, as well as more than 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles.
The Commissioner further revealed that suspects arrested during the period were linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, secessionist activities, rape and other serious crimes, with several cases already prosecuted and convictions secured.
A major highlight of the year, according to Orutugu, was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the gang leader. He also announced the arrest of suspects responsible for the murder of three Cameroonian nationals and the recovery of the victims’ bodies.
He said the improved security situation ensured that major events in the state were conducted without incident, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the successful conduct of the governorship and local government elections. He noted that normal social life had gradually returned to Ihiala, where weddings, birthdays and other community activities were now held without intimidation.
CP Orutugu attributed the successes to the joint efforts of the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Agunaechemba and other security operatives operating in the state.
Despite the gains, the Police boss acknowledged challenges such as the evolving tactics of criminal elements and occasional resistance, misinformation and non-cooperation from a few members of the public. He said these challenges had only strengthened the Command’s resolve to improve strategies and operational effectiveness in the coming year.
As the festive season approaches, the Commissioner assured residents of robust security measures to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration. He warned that the use of knock-out substances and other social explosives remained prohibited in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant, comply with traffic regulations, secure their homes before travelling and use only designated motor parks.
He expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government for its continuous support, sister security agencies for sustained cooperation, traditional rulers, religious leaders, town unions and community vigilante groups for their partnership, and the media for accurate and responsible reportage. He also commended Ndi Anambra for their trust and assistance, including efforts to give a facelift to several police facilities across the state.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to a safer and more secure Anambra State in the new year and wished residents a peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year.
