It wasn’t too long ago that many people in Anambra State demanded the reposting of the then Commissioner of Police in the state, Nnaghe Obono Itam, whom human rights groups, particularly, accused of incompetence. This came shortly after the exit of his predecessor, Aderemi Adeoye, who was variously described as a fine police officer, super cop, and a good mixer.
Through what may actually not have been his fault, Itam’s short reign was inundated with serious security breaches, leading to what was appearing to look like a total breakdown of law and order in the state. Kidnappers, in particular, had a field day and operated day and night, without much opposition.
But what sounded the death knell on Itam’s reign was the disappearance of two suspects from custody who were involved in the murder of the former House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North State Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon Justice Azuka. Itam was removed shortly after that.
But during his brief spell as Commissioner of Police in the state, he was generally press shy and virtually unapproachable, a sharp contrast from what Adeoye was.
With the removal of Itam, came Mr Ikioye Orutugu as the new Chief of Police in Anambra and since his coming, the security architecture has tremendously improved, with the new man working to restore public confidence in the police, as well as coming up with some initiatives to cement that.
Orutugu had in the initial stage of his arrival, striven to end the Monday sit-at-home syndrome by visiting traders and meeting with other stakeholders. His arrival also came at a time peace was restored to the state, with the battle being taking to the criminal elements who had held the state hostage.
Today, some of the hot spots of criminal activities have been cleared of criminals, Ihiala being one of them. This was virtually a no-go area some months back, being that the criminals had virtually annexed the town, exacting money from residents of the community to allow them perform such ceremonies as funerals and marriages. It was that bad.
With the success of the activities to rid the state of criminals, many had started praying that the security emplaced would not end up as a short term measure, or something that would cease after the Governorship Election in November this year.
Such fears were genuine in the context of what usually happens in the country when good initiatives fail to last, not long after they were born.
But last Monday, the Anambra State Police Command, working with the State Government, formally launched ”Operation Udo Ga Achi”, with the aim of sustaining the progress made so far and applying more heat on the criminals. Speaking at the event which held at Amawbia Fly Over, Orutugu explained that after a review of their policing capabilities, they had launched ”Operation Udo Ga Achi” to nip serious crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping in the bud.
He described their action as a proactive template aimed to assuage public fears and encourage the citizenry to return home en masse ahead of the Easter Festivities.
Orutugu explained that it was a coordinated approach involving the Police, Army (302 Artillery Regiment), Navy, DSS, NSCDC, Immigration, Correctional Service, FRSC, Anambra Vigilantes, and residents sharing actionable intelligence.
The operation is intelligence-driven, featuring stop-and-search tactics, targeted joint patrols, and operatives stationed at key locations with Armoured Personnel Carriers on alert,’ CP Orutugu had said, further disclosing that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other security formations had been directed to conduct massive raids on criminal flashpoints to dislodge threats and bolster public confidence.
This strategic move keeps us ahead of criminals, ensuring the safety of all residents,’ he added, noting that operatives had been briefed to remain civil to the public.
We view this as a laudable development which can sustain the fight against criminals beyond the tenure of the current administration in the state. This is however even as we make haste to advise that this should not be used as another window of extortion by the police and sister agencies involved in the operation, for, indeed, often times, they had been caught involved in extortion, while crimes were committed in their vicinity.
We are happy that Orutugu has warned his men to refrain from abusing the citizenry. This is very important because of many reports of police or military bullying civilians.
We salute CP Orutugu on his commitment and gallantry so far and hope that the peace being enjoyed in the state at the moment does not go with the wind.
