The Anambra State Police Command has recorded notable successes in crime control and public safety in 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, announced on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka.
Addressing journalists as the year draws to a close, Orutugu said the Command’s performance was largely driven by the cooperation and trust of Ndi Anambra, stressing that public support remains the backbone of effective policing in the state.
He explained that crime patterns fluctuated during the year due to socio-economic pressures and evolving security threats nationwide, but sustained proactive policing and intelligence-led operations helped the Command to contain criminal activities.
According to the Commissioner, incidents of violent crime, cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping reduced in many parts of the state, aided by improved response time, increased visibility patrols and strengthened community policing frameworks.
Orutugu disclosed that several kidnapping syndicates operating across different local government areas were disrupted, while notorious criminal hideouts and black spots were dismantled through coordinated raids and sustained patrols.
He noted that closer collaboration with sister security agencies resulted in successful joint operations, significantly enhancing the Command’s capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats.
The Commissioner said the improved security atmosphere ensured the peaceful conduct of major activities in the state, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the successful conduct of governorship and local government elections.
He further observed that normal social life is gradually returning to previously volatile areas such as Ihiala, where residents now freely hold weddings, birthdays and other community gatherings without fear or intimidation.
Providing operational statistics, Orutugu revealed that joint security teams rescued 35 kidnapped victims and arrested over 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, rape, secessionist activities and other serious crimes.
He added that more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items, were recovered, alongside over 60 stolen vehicles and motorcycles.
A major highlight of the year, the Commissioner said, was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the gang leader, as well as the arrest of those responsible for the murder of three Cameroonian nationals.
Despite these achievements, Orutugu acknowledged challenges such as the evolving tactics of criminal elements and occasional misinformation or resistance from a few members of the public.
He said these challenges have strengthened the Command’s resolve to refine its strategies, improve operational effectiveness and deepen intelligence gathering in the coming year.
As the festive season approaches, the Commissioner disclosed that robust security measures have been deployed across the state, urging residents to remain vigilant, obey traffic regulations, avoid prohibited knock-out substances and report suspicious activities promptly.
Orutugu expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and the media for their support, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure Anambra State in the year ahead.
