By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims and arrested 57 suspects over the past one month as part of intensified operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other organised crimes in the state.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, during an operational briefing with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, Ukpo, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawye, who was on an operational visit to the command in Awka.
According to CP Nnanna, the command also recovered 18 assorted firearms and 43 rounds of ammunition during the period under review, while one criminal camp was destroyed.
The Commissioner attributed the achievements to sustained intelligence gathering, proactive policing, targeted tactical operations and strategic deployment of personnel across the state.
He said the command’s tactical units, area commands and divisional formations had maintained pressure on identified criminal networks, with support from sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
CP Nnanna assured residents that the police would sustain the offensive against criminal elements, noting that intelligence-led operations, aggressive patrols, rapid response and the destruction of criminal hideouts would remain key components of the command’s strategy.
He directed operational commanders and personnel to remain vigilant and proactive while constantly reviewing their deployment strategies in response to emerging crime patterns and intelligence.
The Commissioner further pledged that the command would continue to deny criminal groups freedom of action and make the state increasingly difficult for kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal networks to operate.
Speaking during the visit, AIG Dantawye commended the Anambra Command for what he described as encouraging operational results.
He urged officers and men to build on the gains through discipline, professionalism, courage, effective supervision and strict compliance with the rule of law.
The Zone 13 police boss placed particular emphasis on intelligence gathering and community engagement, directing officers to strengthen their intelligence networks and ensure that actionable information was promptly converted into operational interventions.
AIG Dantawye also charged the command to intensify efforts against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug-related offences and other violent crimes while ensuring that operations are conducted professionally and with due regard for human rights.
He stressed that public confidence and community cooperation remained critical to effective policing, urging officers to maintain respectful and responsive relationships with residents.
The command expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation.
It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police and other security agencies to enable timely intervention against criminal activities.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, dismantling criminal networks and maintaining public order across the state.
