The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has issued a strong appeal to residents and indigenes — especially those returning home for Christmas — to remain vigilant and maintain close cooperation with the police as the festive season approaches. He emphasized that, while there are encouraging signs of peace and security, everyone must play their part to keep the state safe.
Orutugu’s message comes amid growing optimism about Anambra’s improving security landscape. He urged those in the diaspora to “come home for Christmas,” assuring them that the state is stable enough for a peaceful holiday season. According to the police chief, the recent governorship election was largely peaceful, which he sees as proof of the command’s effective community-centred and intelligence-led policing strategy.
A key pillar of the CP’s approach is what he calls “policing without guns” — a style of engagement that relies more on counseling, empathy, and appealing to citizens’ conscience than on force. This philosophy underpins efforts to both build trust and prevent crime by involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, and other community stakeholders in security conversations.
In order to secure “flashpoints” — areas assessed to be at higher risk of criminal activity — the Anambra Police Command has deployed its “flashpoint deployment strategy,” ensuring visible presence and rapid response capabilities in border communities and other vulnerable locations. Orutugu also highlighted that accountability is central to his command: he takes a zero-tolerance stance on police misconduct, extortion, or abuse of power, insisting that the force must remain professional and rights-respecting.
Beyond calling for vigilance, the commissioner underscored the need for stronger coordination among security agencies. He recently visited the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies in Awka, advocating for unified operations, intelligence sharing, and more effective collaboration for better public safety outcomes.
Orutugu’s message also touches on practical measures: he encourages citizens to report any suspicious persons or movements, and to maintain strong intelligence ties with the police through community networks. His appeal reflects a belief that public safety is a collective effort, not just a responsibility for law enforcement.
The CP’s comments build on a broader narrative of peace in the state. Earlier in the year, he credited the public and security operatives for achieving a rare one-month period with zero recorded gunshots — a milestone he said pointed to increased community cooperation and declining criminal firepower. Such progress, he argues, must be protected, especially during times when movement and social activity will increase.
As festive celebrations often bring both joy and vulnerability, the Anambra Police Command is intensifying its patrols, especially in residential areas, commercial hubs, and high-traffic locations. Orutugu said the aim is not to create fear but to provide “visible reassurance” and responsiveness so that both residents and returning indigenes can freely celebrate without compromising their safety.
He further called on the people of Anambra to remain partners in the security architecture: through grassroots reporting, community-led intelligence, and sustained engagement with law enforcement, ordinary citizens can contribute meaningfully to crime prevention.
In closing, Orutugu reiterated his invitation to Anambra people abroad, encouraging them to return for Christmas: “Anambra is safe. Come home and celebrate without fear.” He made it clear that maintaining this security will require vigilance, cooperation, and shared responsibility — all in the spirit of safeguarding what has become, according to him, a model of peace and security in the region.
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