In a determined move to tackle insecurity, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has launched a joint security initiative tagged ‘Operation Udo-Gachi zero kidnapping and other violent crimes’ in the state.
CP Orutugu who did the unveiling at the Amawbia Bridge along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka on Monday, stated that the purpose is to let Ndi Anambra and residents know the efforts the police are making to nip in the bud serious crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond.
He said the ‘Operation Udo-Gachi zero kidnapping’ comprises the Police, the Army from 302 Artillery Regiment, the Navy from the Naval Outpost, the Department of State Service, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Services, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Anambra State Vigilante and most importantly, Ndi Anambra and its teeming populace who have resolved to work with the security.
According to him, the security forces are now more motivated, as the operation will give them a more coordinated approach to reclaiming the public space. He added that it will also serve as a daily brief to always restrategize as the operation unfolds.
He explained that the operation is intelligence-driven with “Stop-and-Search operations”, joint security targeted patrols and the operatives posted to identify locations with Amorured Personnel Carriers on alert to respond to any untoward situations.
He said, “The police, as the lead agency in internal security, have deployed an operation code-named ‘Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes’ in the state. It is a proactive template to assuage the fear of the unknown and effectively police the state by encouraging the great people of Anambra State to come home en masse for this festive period.
“Let us reiterate that no one can take the glory alone in the efforts of sustaining safety and security in the state, as the Operation comprises the Police and other joint security forces. The security forces are now more motivated, as the operation will give them a more coordinated approach to reclaiming the public space. It will also serve as a daily brief to always re-strategise as the operation unfolds.
“Furthermore, various divisional police officers, as well as other security formations/security agencies, have been directed to conduct massive raids on identified criminal flashpoints and hot spots within their areas of responsibility. This strategic move is aimed at dislodging criminal elements. It will also assist the security agencies in staying ahead of criminal threats, reinforce public confidence, and ensure the continued safety and security of all residents.
“Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State are intelligence-driven with Stop-and-Search operations, Joint Security targeted patrols, and the operatives posted to identify locations with Armoured Personnel Carriers on alert to respond to any untoward situations.
“To this end, we have a Joint Security Information Room for Ndi Anambra to report any suspicious activity. The numbers are Police – 07039194332, NDLEA – 09136832679, NSDC – 08066769442, FRSC – 122, Anambra State Vigilantes – 511 and 122 and others we shall provide as the Operations commence.”
The CP also added that while the police seek the cooperation of Ndi Anambra and its residents, he urged the operatives to be civil to members of the public.
“Lastly, We want to thank the State Government and good-spirited *Ndi Anambra for their goodwill in fixing some of our Operational vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers. Together, we can make Anambra State a safer and livable homeland for everyone,” the CP added.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
