Police boss advocates proper profiling of vigilante members

By Jethro Ibileke

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has called for proper profiling of vigilante members used for community policing in the State.

His call is sequel to the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey. The suspect was arrested on Friday, 22 November, at Nkwelle – Ezunaka, with a pump action gun.

A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the native of Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested by operatives attached to 33 Police Divisional headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, who acted on credible information.

Ikenga disclosed that the suspect concealed the gun in a bag of rice.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was about to escape with the gun to join his criminal gang, for armed robbery and other unpatriotic activities.

“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the State.

“The CP also directs the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-robbery squad of the Command for comprehensive investigations,” the statement said.