By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Anambra State Police Command has cautioned orderlies attached to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, to avoid sporadic shooting in the name of celebrating Christmas.
The command warned that it would not fail to sanction personnel who ran foul of the rules guiding the use of fire arms in the state.
The state police public relations officer, SP Haruna Mohammed, stated this in a press release made available to journalists in Awka, Anambra State.
He said police in the state was ready to ensure the best of security for indigenes, residents and returnees in the state this period, adding that the CP directed all Area Commanders, DPOS/unit heads, to intensify raids on black spots and sustain the ongoing Stop and Search operations in the state.
Haruna also warned that the command would not tolerate the use of fire crackers and bangers, enjoining parents to caution and restrain their wards from using them to avoid disrupting the peace.
Part of the release read, ‘In order to enhance safe and secure environment for all “Ndi Anambra” and residents alike, especially during this festive period, and to ensure a peaceful Christmas/New Year celebrations in the State, the Commissioner of Police, John B. Abang, has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs ,PMF, and other striking units in the state to intensify raids on black spots and criminal hideouts; sustain the ongoing stop and search/tactical operation duties and night patrols in order to deny miscreants and criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the state throughout the festive season.
‘Consequently, all officers in the Command are also placed on red alert at their respective duty posts and directed to respond promptly to any situation or distress from members of the public.
‘Police personnel, including PMF/SPU, attached to VIPs visiting the state during the yuletide period, should adhere strictly to the rules guiding use of firearms as contained in the Revised Force Order 237 and also refrain from unauthorized sporadic shootings on air.’
The release warned that any officer found violating such order would be dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedure.
It also reiterated that the use of Knock-outs, fire crackers and other forms of fireworks in the state, also constituted a serious security risk as it was capable of misleading the police and other security agencies into thinking they were gunshots, as well as engender fear in the minds of peace loving citizens.
It therefore urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against purchasing and using knock-outs, noting that the law governing the sales, purchase and use of fireworks was still in force.
