By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a fresh security advisory to residents as activities heighten across the state in the Ember Months, warning criminals and opportunistic offenders to steer clear as the Command has intensified security operations to guarantee public safety.
The advisory was contained in an official press statement released in Awka and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc, minps, PhD.
According to the statement, the CP explained that the months of September to December traditionally come with increased commercial activities, heightened human and vehicular movement, festive preparations, and unfortunately, a tendency for criminal elements to attempt taking advantage of the season. He assured, however, that the Police Command is fully prepared to safeguard Ndi Anambra throughout the period and beyond.
The Command has intensified visibility policing, reinforced highway patrols, expanded stop-and-search operations, and commenced intelligence-driven raids on identified hideouts. Joint security deployments, the statement added, are also active across markets, churches, public facilities, motor parks, and major transit corridors.
As part of preventive measures, the Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain vigilant at all times, avoid unnecessary late-night movement, properly secure their homes and business premises, and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police formation. Communities were also encouraged to strengthen their local security networks in partnership with the Police.
The advisory equally warned motorists against reckless driving, speeding, drunk-driving, and violation of traffic rules, urging vehicle owners to service their cars and avoid night journeys where possible.
The Command further cautioned the public against online fraud, fake job offers, identity theft, and fraudulent investment schemes that usually spike during the festive season, advising residents to “verify before you trust” and to remember that security is a shared responsibility.
The CP also reassured members of the public of his readiness to address complaints involving police misconduct, share security information, and respond to requests for assistance. Residents were urged to make prompt use of the Command’s emergency contacts when necessary: Police Control Room (07039194332), CP Monitoring Unit (08035893571), X-Squad (07053614331), Anti-Fraud/Intelligence (08064018319), PPRO (08039334002).
The statement emphasized that the Command will not tolerate any form of criminal activity during the festive period and warned individuals or groups planning to exploit the season to desist, stressing that the full weight of the law awaits offenders.
