From Ifeoma Ejiofor
As the year gradually comes to an end, Anambra State Police Command has issued security advisory to residents, visitors, business owners, and road users across the state.
The security advisory was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP)
The statement reads,”September to December are typically associated with heightened commercial activities, increased movement of people and goods, festivities, and unfortunately, a rise in opportunistic criminal activities.
“The State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu(CP) has stated that the Command, remains fully committed to ensuring the safety, peace, and security of Ndi Anambra throughout this period and beyond.
“The Operatives of the Command have intensified visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids on identified criminal hideouts. Joint security deployments are active across public places, markets, religious centers and major transit points.”
The CP however urged residents to:
remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times even as he implored Ndi-Anambra to avoid late-night movements, unless absolutely necessary.
CP Orutugu also appealed to residents to ensure that their homes, shops, and business premises are properly secured, however asked the good people of the State to report suspicious persons, gatherings, or activities immediately to the nearest Police formation.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police also charged communities in the twenty one LGAs in the state to strengthen their local security networks in collaboration with the police.
The Command also warned against reckless driving, excess speeding, drunk-driving and violation of traffic rules as motorists are advised to service their vehicles, obey traffic officers, and avoid night journeys where possible.
“Furthermore, residents should be cautious of online transactions, fraudulent investment schemes, fake job offers, and identity theft, which often increase during the festive period. Residents are further enjoined to always Verify before you trust, as Security is a shared responsibility.
“To this end, the CP restated his resolve to always attend to complaints of misconduct whatsoever by personnel, share security information, as well as requests for security services.
“Residents are equally encouraged to use the following emergency lines to reach the Police Command at any time:
• Police Control Room Hotline: 07039194332
• CP Monitoring Unit: 08035893571 • X-Squad : 0705361433 •Anti-Fraud/Command Intelligence Officer: 08064018319
• PPRO: 08039334002.
“Let it be known that the Anambra State Police Command will not tolerate any form of criminal activity during this season. Individuals or groups planning to take advantage of the festivities for crime should desist, as the full weight of the law awaits offenders.” Ikenga asserted.