By Ikeugonna Eleke
New Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has commenced moves to end the Monday sit-at-home in the state.
Since the abolition of the Monday sit-at-home declared in 2021 by secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to push for the release of its detained leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, the exercise has continued to ground businesses on Mondays.
But Orutugu, last Monday, in an attempt to strengthen the morale of the people of the state, visited strategic locations in the state, including major markets, parks and junctions, assuring of improved surveillance, patrol and intelligence gathering.
In a press release by the State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, he said: ‘CP Ikioye Orutugu’s commitment to end sit-at-home, today 24th February 2025, witnessed a massive deployment of security personnel to different strategic and identified areas, as Police and other security forces intensified patrols toward security dominance in the state.
‘This enhanced security presence involves increased patrols and surveillance, strategic deployment of personnel and resources, intelligence gathering and community engagement and proactive measures to prevent and respond timely to crimes.
‘This goal is to deter criminal activities, build trust with the community, and provide a secure atmosphere for economic and social growth.’
He quoted Orutugu as hailing Anambra People and the state government for the launch of Operation Udo Ga-Chi. He praised the people for collectively joining voices to condemn any act that threatened peace of the state.
He said the police had resolved to explore every necessary legal strategy and to constantly review both kinetic and non-kinetic steps taken towards stabilizing the security of the state.
