The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant gains in crime control and public safety in 2025, including the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims and the arrest of over 300 criminal suspects across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Awka.
Addressing journalists, CP Orutugu said the achievements were the result of proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, improved response times, and strong collaboration with communities and sister security agencies. He noted a noticeable reduction in violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related activities, and other serious offences in most parts of the state.
According to him, the Command disrupted several kidnapping syndicates operating across multiple local government areas, dismantled criminal hideouts and black spots through sustained raids, and strengthened community policing structures to ensure residents remained active stakeholders in security.
The Commissioner revealed that intelligence-driven joint operations involving the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Agunaechemba, and other security operatives led to the recovery of over 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives, as well as more than 60 stolen vehicles and motorcycles. He added that several suspects had been successfully prosecuted and convicted.
CP Orutugu highlighted the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the gang leader, as one of the Command’s major breakthroughs. He also confirmed the arrest of suspects responsible for the murder of three Cameroonian nationals and the recovery of their bodies.
He stated that the improved security environment ensured incident-free major events in the state, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the conduct of the Governorship and Local Government elections, and the gradual return of normal social life in previously troubled areas such as Ihiala.
Despite the successes, the Commissioner acknowledged challenges such as evolving criminal tactics and occasional public resistance or misinformation, noting that these would inform improved strategies in the coming year.
As the festive season approaches, CP Orutugu assured residents of robust security deployments and urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid prohibited knock-out substances, obey traffic regulations, secure their homes when travelling, and use only designated motor parks.
He expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community vigilante groups, the media, and Ndi Anambra for their cooperation, trust, and support, including contributions toward the facelift of several police formations across the state.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in Anambra State as the new year approaches.
