By Lilian Ezejiegu

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has praised the retired outgoing Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Ikioye Orutugu, for his outstanding contributions to the restoration of security across Anambra State, describing his role in the establishment and strengthening of Agunechemba as historic.

Speaking with journalists in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on 6 August, Dr. Mefor said the retired police AIG, played a pivotal role in the formation, training, and retraining of Agunechemba, the Anambra Vigilante Service, which has become a major pillar in the state’s security architecture.

According to the Commissioner, the history of Agunechemba would be incomplete without honourably acknowledging Orutugu’s invaluable contributions. He noted that beyond the initial training of the vigilante personnel, the former AIG ensured continuous retraining to improve their operational efficiency, a legacy that continues to produce positive security outcomes.

Dr. Mefor recalled that during his service, Orutugu earned widespread commendation for leading successful operations that led to the arrest of several notorious criminal suspects who had long been on the security agencies’ wanted list, thereby boosting public confidence in the state’s fight against crime.

He also commended Operation Udo Ga-Achi, describing it as an effective joint security initiative built on the foundation laid by Agunechemba. He explained that the operation comprises the Anambra Vigilante Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Navy, and the Department of State Services (DSS), all working together to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner said one of Orutugu’s greatest achievements was fostering seamless cooperation among the various security agencies. According to him, there was no friction between the police and Agunechemba under the retired AIG’s leadership, adding that the spirit of collaboration has significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and security in the state.

Dr. Mefor appealed to Ndi Anambra to continue supporting Agunechemba, stressing that security is everyone’s responsibility. He said Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s whistleblower policy remains in force to encourage residents to volunteer useful intelligence that will help security agencies combat crime. According to him, “If you see something, say something, and the government will do something.”

The Commissioner disclosed that credible intelligence leading to successful security operations could attract rewards of up to ₦5 million. He assured residents that every piece of security information received by the government is treated with the utmost confidentiality, emphasizing that the identities of informants are carefully protected throughout the process.

Dr. Mefor urged residents not to fear providing information, assuring them that the government has put in place adequate measures to protect sources of intelligence. He called on members of the public to report fake native doctors, fake pastors, criminal hideouts, and every other suspicious activity capable of threatening the peace and security of Anambra State.

He reaffirmed that the Soludo administration remains committed to restoring Anambra to its position as the safest state in Nigeria, noting that improved security is the foundation for sustainable development, increased investment, and the overall well-being of the people. He urged citizens to sustain their cooperation with security agencies to consolidate the gains already recorded.

Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation.

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