By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has expressed gratitude to the State Government and some philanthropists for assisting the police command to fix some operational and armored vehicles that would be used by the Security Joint Task Force in combating kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes and criminality during and beyond the Easter period, saying that the police and other security agencies have been highly motivated and ready for action.
The CP made the remark during the launch of ‘Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes ‘ in the state by the Police and Other Security Agencies which took place at Amawbia flyover, Awka on April 14, 2025.
According to CP Ikioye Orutugu, 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.
“Let Ndi Anambra and residents know after a review and evaluation of policing capabilities to nip in the bud serious crimes like Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond, the Police as the lead agency in internal security have emplaced an Operation code-named ‘Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes in the State’, a proactive template to assuage the fear of the unknown to effectively police the State by encouraging the great people of Anambra State to come home en-masse for this festive period.
“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 restrategize as the operation unfolds.
“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, the Army from 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), the Navy from the Naval Outpost, Department of State Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Vigilante and most importantly Ndi Anambra and its teeming populace who have resolved to work with the security agencies in sharing information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and other criminals”.
“Furthermore, various Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) 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 (AOR). This strategic move is aimed at dislodging criminal elements. It will also assist the security agencies to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence as well as ensuring the continued safety and security of all residents.
“Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State* 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.
“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.
“We seek the cooperation of Ndi Anambra and its residents, we also wish to state that the Operatives have been fully briefed to be civil to members of the public,” he stated