By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, has commenced a thank-you tour of stakeholders across the state following his recent promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the newly promoted senior police officer, who is set to proceed to his new assignment, began the appreciation tour with a courtesy visit to the palace of the traditional ruler of Awka Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, OON, Eze Uzu II of Awka.
SP Ikenga said the visit, which took place on August 3, formed part of activities marking the end of AIG Orutugu’s tenure as the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State and his transition to the next stage of his career in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking during the visit, the AIG expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler, the people of Awka and other stakeholders across the state for their support, cooperation and partnership throughout his period of service in Anambra.
He acknowledged the role played by traditional institutions, community leaders, the state government, other security agencies and residents in the various successes recorded by the police command in the course of its operations.
The police chief also reiterated the importance of continuous collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and members of the public, stressing that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through collective efforts.
He further appealed for sustained support for the police and other security agencies working to maintain law and order across the state.
Responding, the traditional ruler congratulated the police chief on what he described as a well-deserved elevation and commended him for his commitment, professionalism and contributions towards strengthening security and improving public confidence in policing within the state.
The royal father also prayed for greater success and divine guidance for the senior police officer as he ascends to greater position and assumes greater responsibilities in the Nigeria Police Force.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that Orutugu has assumed office as the 35th Commissioner of Police Anambra State on February 10, 2025, taking over from CP Nnaghe Obono Itam.
Since assuming office as the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, he led several intelligence-driven operations against criminal elements, took the war to the dreaded gunmen terrorizing the state then, and also repeatedly advocated stronger cooperation between security agencies and members of the public in the fight against crime, which has made Anambra one of the safest states in the country today.
On July 1, 2026, the Police Service Commission announced Orutugu’s meritorious promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), alongside 12 other Commissioners of Police, including his predecessor, Nnaghe Obono Itam.
On Tuesday, July 21, Orutugu was decorated with the new rank of AIG, setting the tone for his bowing out as the Anambra State Commissioner of Police.
His commencement of thank-you visits is expected to be followed by similar engagements with other critical stakeholders across the state as he concludes his assignment and hands over the baton and the mantle as Anambra State Commissioner of Police.
