By Gloria Onyeanusi
The Area Commander of Onitsha Area Command, ACP Temitope Fasugba, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Okpoko Police Station, SP Kenechi Austine Okafor, have received commendations from stakeholders in Okpoko community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, over what they described as effective and proactive policing in the area.
The commendations came during the maiden official visit of the Area Commander to the Okpoko Police Station on May 12.
Speaking during the event, the President General of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubisi Ochiogu, applauded the policing strategies adopted by both officers, noting that their coordinated efforts have significantly reduced crime and enhanced security in Onitsha and its environs.
According to him, since SP Okafor assumed duty as DPO in Okpoko, incidents of criminality and public unrest, which had previously become recurring challenges in the area, have drastically reduced.
Also speaking, a community stakeholder, Mr. Chukwuma Emmanuel Akika, popularly known as “Stager,” described the Area Commander and the DPO as “men of action” whose professional approach to policing has improved the image of the Nigeria Police Force in the area.
He urged them to sustain the prevailing peace and tranquility by remaining committed to effective security management.
The Chief Security Officer of Agunechemba in Okpoko, Dr. Solomon Ibezim, commended the cordial working relationship between police officers and local security operatives, saying the synergy has strengthened crime prevention and security surveillance in the community.
Describing both officers as experienced security administrators, Ibezim pledged continued collaboration with the police to ensure effective monitoring of criminal activities.
In the same vein, the President General of Okpoko community, Chief (Sir) Charles Ezeokafor Nwatawugwu, praised the efforts of officers attached to the Onitsha Area Command and Okpoko Division, assuring them of the community’s support through the provision of credible intelligence to aid crime fighting.
Earlier in his welcome address, the DPO, SP Okafor, identified some of the major security challenges confronting the area to include drug peddling, cultism, rape, and the activities of touts posing as revenue enforcement agents.
He explained that the presence of several markets and industries in Okpoko often contributes to traffic congestion, street fights, and accidents caused by the activities of such illegal revenue collectors.
The DPO listed identified flashpoints in the area to include Upper Iweka, Okpoko Junction, Atani Road by Obodoukwu Junction, and Mgbuka Amazu Last Gate, among others.
He, however, expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the police, Agunechemba operatives, and community stakeholders would further strengthen security in the area.
SP Okafor also appealed for the deployment of more personnel to the division, lamenting the shortage of officers in the station.
Responding, ACP Fasugba commended the DPO for his effective leadership and policing style, which he said has helped in controlling criminal activities in Okpoko.
The Area Commander emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the police and local vigilante groups, noting that such partnership remains essential for effective community policing.
On the issue of manpower shortage, ACP Fasugba acknowledged that the challenge is common across many police divisions and appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children to join the Nigeria Police Force to help bridge the manpower gap.
Gloria is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
