Police nab 200 suspects, secure 100 convictions in Anambra — CP

By Obinna Unaeze

The Police said their operatives arrested 200 suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism and secured 100 convictions between Feb.10 and August in various parts of Anambra State.

Anambra Commissioner of Policee, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this in an interview in Awka.

Orutugu who assumed office as the 35th CP of Anambra on Feb. 10.further said that the command recovered over 300 firearms, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, over 30 vehicles and 20 explosives from criminals across the state.

“The Command arrested 200 suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, among others, between February and August this year,” he said.

“The Command also secured 100 convictions within the period under review,” he said.

He revealed that a major highlight was the re-arrest of a suspect in the high-profile kidnap and murder of Mr Justice Azuka, the Labour Party lawmaker for Onitsha 1 Constituency.

According to him, the results reflect a new level of operational effectiveness and commitment to law enforcement.

The Commissioner of Police described the development as a strong warning to criminals, stating that no perpetrator of violent crime would evade justice, no matter how long it took.

He said that the command also inaugurated “Operation Zero Kidnapping” in collaboration with other security agencies to respond to cases of kidnapping for ransom among others.

“The initiative has drastically reduced kidnapping incidents in the state, restoring confidence among residents and visitors,” he said.

Orutugu said that during the period under review, the command employed an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategy to manage several communal disputes.

“Including the mediation of the long-standing boundary crisis between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri.”

According to him, these efforts significantly helped to de-escalate tensions without resorting to violence.

“To deepen community engagement, the command also trained vigilance operatives across the state on lawful conduct, crime scene management, and intelligence gathering,” he said.

The CP noted that the command ensured a hitch-free visit by President Bola Tinubu on May 9 and facilitated a peaceful by-election in the state on Aug. 16.

According to him, the command is fully prepared for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for Nov. 8.

“We have done our homework with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We are just waiting for Nov. 8,” he said.

(NAN)