- Itam explained that these arrests and recoveries were achieved within 60 days
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested 200 suspects and recovered over 33 different types of arms, including AK-47s, pump-action guns, and locally made pistols.
During a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Friday, Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam announced the recovery of over 1,644 rounds of various types of ammunition and 27 stolen vehicles.
Itam explained that these arrests and recoveries were achieved within 60 days as a result of significant innovations in the command aimed at enhancing operational proficiency and crime prevention strategies.
He said, “Today is exactly the 60th day I resumed this national assignment to serve Ndi Anambra and our dear nation. I am very delighted to address you today and to provide members of the public updates on the Command’s law and order activities and achievements in our fight against crime and criminalities in the state.
“On assumption of office with my strategic officers, we reviewed and evaluated policing capabilities and threats within the state’s critical assets and embarked upon painstaking intelligence gathering through robust synergy with core sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups, and other stakeholders.
“Efforts at reducing crime and criminality are yielding positive results and we are changing the narrative. During the 60 days of my arrival, over 200 suspects have been arrested for various crimes and we have secured five convictions and still ongoing trials.
“We have rescued unhurt four kidnapped victims and recovered over 33 different brands of arms which include AK47, pump action guns, locally made pistols, and others. Over 1,644 ammunition of various types, 27 stolen, but recovered vehicles. Different brands of motorcycles, and monies amongst other exhibits in ongoing investigations.
“Another significant innovation in the Command is the ongoing training and retraining of officers and men to improve operational proficiency and acquire more skills in crime prevention strategies, we have conducted a security summit with the informal security sector that had in attendance, vigilante groups, hunters, and other relevant security outfits in the State, to enhance an all-inclusive policing system.”
The CP commended the security-consciousness of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, adding that the governor, despite obvious challenges worked towards repositioning and priming law enforcement as a design to restructure security governance architecture in the state.
He added that the command is consulting and engaging relevant stakeholders, like traditional rulers, market leaders, youth groups, and civil society organisations in the state, in its drive to fight all forms of criminalities.