Inspector-general of police (IGP), Usman Baba has directed the posting of Eworo Echeng to Anambra as the new commissioner of police for the state.
Recall that Anambra has, in recent times, witnessed several attacks by gunmen, leading to destruction of properties and killings including the murder of Chike Akunyili, husband of Dora Akunyili, the late ex-minister of information and communications.
The new development was disclosed by Frank Mba, force public relations officer, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Mba, the IGP has also deployed special forces to the state to beef up security and ensure the safety of the lives and property of residents.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has ordered the immediate posting of a new Commissioner of Police (CP) to Anambra State,” the statement reads.
“The new CP, Echeng Eworo Echeng, takes over from CP Tony Olofu who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The IGP has also ordered the deployment of a detachment of NPF Special Forces to Anambra State to bolster and complement the ongoing peace-building efforts of the Nigeria Police Operation Restore Peace in Anambra State.
“The IGP, who is particularly concerned with the renewed incidents of attacks on innocent individuals and symbol of State Authority in the State, ordered the new Commissioner of Police to mobilise both kinetic and non-kinetic law enforcement and crime fighting approaches to reverse the negative trend, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums and restore public peace in the State.”
According to the statement, Echeng, who was recently deployed as CP of Bayelsa, “holds a first degree in history from the University of Maiduguri”.
Described as “an experienced peace-builder”, Echeng is said to have “received extensive training on global peace support operations at Mission Training Cell, Kielce, Poland, amongst other tactical and leadership courses”.
The force spokesman also said previous positions held by Echeng include former police component commander, joint task force, ‘operation Delta Safe’, and deputy commissioner of police in-charge of zonal CID, zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra state.
“The IGP has charged the new Police Chief to work with other stakeholders and patriotic forces in Anambra State to restore law and order leveraging on his professional experience. The IGP also called on Ndi Anambra to support and cooperate with the new Commissioner of Police in his task of protecting the lives and property of all,” Mba added.
The development comes weeks before the Anambra governorship election, scheduled to hold on November 6.