The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, said the command arrested over 300 suspects involved in various crimes and criminalities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and child trafficking.
Other offences include public disturbances, attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, government infrastructures and other sundry offences, reports The PUNCH.
He also said that the command rescued three children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold in Anambra State.
Itam said the command also made significant breakthroughs by recording numerous successes like rescuing no fewer than 14 kidnapped victims, securing 30 convictions, and various ongoing trials in its efforts at reducing crime and criminality in the state in year 2024.
The commissioner stated this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka today, adding that efforts at reducing crime and criminality are yielding positive results while the police are changing the narrative.
According to him, various arms and ammunition were recovered, including 43 unexploded improvised devices, over 100 different brands of arms, and 2,937 ammunition of various types.
He said, “Our interaction today is to highlight some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Anambra State Police Command from January 2024 – to date. These feats include incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, child trafficking, public disturbances, attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, government infrastructures, and other sundry offences.
“Over 300 suspects have been arrested for various crimes, and we have secured over 30 convictions, and there are still ongoing trials. We have rescued 14 kidnapped victims unhurt. We recovered over 43 unexploded improvised devices.
“We have also recovered over 100 different brands of arms, which include AK-47s, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, and others. We have equally recovered over 2,937 ammunition of various types and about 40 stolen vehicles, as well as different brands of motorcycles, amongst other exhibits in ongoing investigations.”
He added that some other notable breakthroughs included the elimination of the masterminds behind the attack on police operatives in Uruagu Nnewi, the arrest of an 18-year-old boy involved in a planned cult killing, and the destruction of several criminal camps, including one in Nimo, Njikoka LGA, which led to the recovery of 19 unexploded devices.
According to him, the police also arrested a notorious kidnapper, known as “Pablo,” who had been terrorising Ihiala, Anambra State, and other areas in Enugu and Delta states.
“In a recent development, the command rescued three children allegedly stolen from their parents in Bauchi State and sold in Anambra State.
“Four suspects, including an illegal foster mother, were arrested and confessed to the crime. The police are urging the public to assist in identifying the rescued children and reuniting them with their parents.
“The command has also appealed to the public to share information about any suspicious activities, emphasising that security is everyone’s business,” the CP added.
He also expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for their support.
“Our focus this year is to consolidate on the gains in crime prevention and restoration of law and order towards improving the safety and security of lives in Anambra State.
“By the robust advocacy on community policing principles, the launch of ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi,’ the state police command has expressed its willingness to stamp out crime and other forms of criminalities from our state.
“We assured the public that the command is committed to consolidating its gains in crime prevention and restoration of law and order in the state,” he added.
