By Augustine Ehikioya
Anambra State, no doubt, has been one of the States in Nigeria that have recorded high rate of insecurity in the past months.
Interestingly nicknamed as ‘The Light of the Nation”, Anambra State’s light in the past months, however, was almost dimmed and extinguished by the works of the evil world that almost overran the State.
The State witnessed many unimaginable, irrational and senseless killings of innocent lives.
Anambra State, which can be described as one of the epicenter of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was a place the insurgents’ sit-at-home orders have been very effectively paralyzing socioeconomic lives of the people for several months.
It is also worthy to note that the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is a British-Nigerian political activist pushing for the secession and independence of Biafra from Nigeria, still in custody, directly or indirectly fueled killings in the South East.
The killings in Anambra State were not only carried out against uniformed security personnel deployed to the State, but they, like dogs biting and eating their own flesh, crazily targeted bonafide indigenes of the State.
Apart from insurgency, cultism and kidnapping have been the order of the day for several months, claiming lives of the people in worse scenarios.
Besides the loss of innocent lives, the State, which is one of the biggest commercial and industrial States in Nigeria, have been badly hit by the sit-at-home orders, resulting in loss of billions of naira.
No wonder, the onslaught against human lives and properties in the State have made it to be among the States in Nigeria severally listed by the United States, United Kingdom and other countries in their travel warnings, urging their citizens to avoid.
But a new dawn is said to be on the horizon in Anambra State gradually bringing to end the ugly security situations in the State.
Security Watch Africa (SWA), recently paid a visit to some various earlier known dangerous locations in the State to confirm how normalcy has started to return to the State.
The SWA team was also shocked by the rising nightlife in various parts of the State, where no one dared to go in the recent past months.
Shedding light on the transformation going on in the State, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who became the 33rd CP in the State on the 5th of July, 2023, spoke with Security Watch Africa in an exclusive interview in Awka, the state capital.
CP Adeoye, who gave the credit for the improved security in the State to synergy with other security agencies, Vigilantes in the State and other governmental supports, said he was able take what he met on ground on resumption in the State, a notch higher.
The CP, who knows every parts of Anambra State like the back of his hand, resumed to a familiar terrain as he had earlier served the State for over ten years since 1991 in various capacity as a Police Officer, and became the Pioneer Commander of Anambra Troopers between the year 1999 to 2000.
He was also able to achieve the current successes in the State due to his training and educational background.
Speaking on the current security situation in Anambra State, he said “The security situation in Anambra State as at today is satisfactory. There’s still much work to be done, But it is definitely better from what we had in the earlier part of this year. The situation at hand is very very satisfactory. We are working to improve it even more.”
Faulting some ugly reports about the State, he said “The reports you see out there are fueled by individuals and groups who have sinister agenda. They want to create fear. They want to instill fear in the mind of members of the public to achieve a selfish aim.
“The reality is that life in Anambra is almost back to normal and people go about their businesses in a very safe atmosphere. The government and the Police as well as other security agencies have partnered with the people and all of us are working towards one goal. That is to restore normalcy and to ensure security of lives and property and to see to it that people go about their businesses without let or hindrance. This is being achieved.
“You see, what I’ve observed is that even where there is no issue, people create fear. I’ll give you an illustration. Just last night, people started exhuming and recycling old video clips of hooligans burning vehicles and saying it is happening now, right now. We did an analysis and discovered that those videos were posted on the internet as far back as March last year. And that is what they are resuscitating now and recycling to create the impression that insecurity persist. It is a false narrative. No incident has been recorded in Anambra.
“Another one they’re pushing around is that there was a robbery and the gang left one of their members behind and everything. When we went into it, we contacted the people there, the President General of the town, the police in the area, and all of them told us it was a movie clip that was being shot.
“So this are the kind of narrative people push out to create fear and to seek relevance. They want the people to believe they’re still there, and that they’re still effective, that they’re still making waves. It’s all lies. Normalcy has actually returned to Anambra.”
On nightlife in the State, he said “Nightlife is back, people enjoy themselves, and people move around like you are out yesterday night and you saw some of these areas for yourself. People are enjoying themselves, no cause for alarm.
“And I can tell you that since I assume duty here, I’ve slept with my two eyes closed. Because my phone is always on, my radio is always on. If there is any incident, it cracks alive and it wakes me up. And immediately we begin to take action. So nothing of such has happened. We have put measures in place, there’s a strong synergy and collaboration amongst security agencies. We have a strong partnership with the people and Anambra Vigilante service.
“All of us work together to ensure Anambra is safe. We have the full backing of the State government. We have the support of the Force Headquarters and everything is working fine. That is the true position in Anambra State,” he noted.
Speaking further on synergy with other security agencies, the CP said “You know when it comes to internal security, the Police is the lead agency. And so we have other services who support us. The Military always give us support. And whenever any situation goes beyond the capacity of the Police, they’re always on standby to come in.
“We have joint patrols, we have joined Forward Operating Bases where Special Forces of the Police and Counterterrorism Units Operatives deployed alongside the Military. We have Forward Operating Bases where the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defense, Immigration, NDLEA and others services do joint patrols, hold ground, mount checkpoints, you know to ensure that criminals do not have free access or free movement.
“Then we also have coordinating meetings where we exchange intelligence, the Department of State Services, you know, provide first grade intelligence. The Police Technical Intelligence Unit provide first grade intelligence. And we share among ourselves, we collaborate, we compare notes, we carry out joint operations. We do everything seamlessly together.
“You see, we have again Anambra State Vigilantes Service, being coordinated by the Security Adviser to the Governor and Special Adviser on Security. And all of them, we are all on the same page. We exchange notes regularly. We share intelligence, we carry on investigation.
“When they make arrests, they hand over to us to avoid violation of human rights. Everything works seamlessly according to the law. And so when they make arrests and handover to us, we investigate and you know for example, when they arrest a member of a gang, we go after the other members.
“We search, recover weapons, we document offenses that have been linked to each of them. We investigate and we prosecute.
So all these entities I have mentioned, the Military, the Paramilitary and the Vigilante both at the community level and at the state level, all collaborate with the Police and we are working hand in hand to ensure that security dividends are delivered to the people,” the CP added.
On what he did differently on assumption of duty, the CP said “First and foremost, let me say the administration that was on ground here before I assume duty, did a lot of work, did tremendously well. The challenges were very serious, but the Command was able to cope.
“And for me, I was returning to familiar terrain because I was here previously as Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations. And so when I came in, I simply continue from where we had stopped. So it was not difficult for me to integrate myself into the security architecture of the state.
“And what I found was that, despite the challenges the Command has done very well to degrade the capabilities of these insurgents. So it was easy for me to build on the foundation that had been laid. We only push it a notch higher, you know, by ensuring that we act on intelligence we received, raid insurgents camps, put them out of business, block routes that they use for their criminal escapades.
“We succeeded to a large extent because of the cooperation we got from the people. And within a few days of my assumption of duty, we smashed several gangs, recover several weapons, those that were not arrested went on the run.
And we are not just boasting, we matched our words with action by ensuring that those who dare either don’t live to tell the tale or they lose their freedom because they will get arrested and incarcerated to face the law.
“To a large extent these have paid off. And as at today, we are much better than where we were on assumption of duty for me in this state.”
During the interview, CP Adeoye also gave stern warnings to criminals using war weapons in the State of what will befall them if they don’t repent and change their ways.
“Use of rocket propelled grenade launchers and homemade bombs or improvised explosive devices are limited to the insurgents. Common day run on the mill criminals don’t use such high grade weapons. And those weapons are materials of war.
“And even though we’re not at war, except for the guerrilla warfare we are facing. What we experienced during one of our raids to the camps was that they had planted mines around the camps. And one of our Gun Trucks stepped on the mine and then got blasted. Fortunately for us, there was no loss of lives because practically the operatives have disembarked from the vehicle leaving only two in the vehicle.
“They advanced while others advanced on foot. So it was only the driver and the gunner that were injured, and they were promptly evacuated to a specialist hospital for medical attention. They have been discharged and they’re back to their duty.
“So that’s the experience we had. Yes, we know they use explosives, they mine their camps and they also use rocket propelled grenade launchers which when fired at a vehicle will actually set the vehicle on fire instantly. On impact, it will set the vehicle on fire. And of course, when that happens, operatives in such a vehicle may not have a fighting chance.
“We suspect it might be the situation that happened in Isiala Mbano, Imo State recently. And again, it is one of the reasons I said when you mine the roads to your camps and you use war grade weapons against security operatives, you are inviting airstrikes.
“So if we cannot approach conventionally in the conventional manner. If the routes are mined and you use war grade equipment, it will not be an overkill if we employ airstrikes against you. So they are getting to that point and they are inviting it upon themselves,” he said
Warning of the possible colossal damages that may follow their actions, he said “Now, like I have mentioned, we have exercised a lot of restraints. The Federal Government is not disposed towards using such high level approach, because the government is mindful of innocent citizens that might be killed in such operations. We don’t want that.
“One loss of innocent life will be calamitous, and we endeavor to avoid it as much as possible. However, sensitization has been ongoing. In all those places the insurgents habit, nobody is farming there. There is no farming activity going on in the forest. They are deep forests, they are deep valleys, difficult to approach, difficult to navigate. The topography is not friendly, and for long, residents have deserted those areas.
“But still, we must be mindful that innocent people still pass through the area either as travelers or as labourers looking for daily means of sustenance. So, we must take all this into consideration, and it is reason government has not adopted that tactic. You see, as sensitization increases, those areas will be sealed off and innocent persons will not be trapped within that area.
“So if the insurgents continue with this war approach to fighting for what they think is legitimate right. Even though the UN Charter is against it, because the UN Charter many of them like to quote states very, very clearly, that self determination does not include the breakup of Sovereign States.
“That is what those who are pushing the agenda don’t tell their followers in order to brainwash and mislead them. So if they embrace violence and violent tactics to push the agenda, then the government will be at liberty to defend the people of this nation and to rescue the law abiding majority from the tyranny of this selfish and wicked minority.
“That is the truth, no government will abdicate its responsibility of protecting her citizenry. So if the insurgents make peaceful resolution impossible, then government will do all it takes to ensure normalcy is restored in every inch of the entity called Federal Republic of Nigeria,” CP Adeoye warned.
Asked of what strategies he is adopting to protect his Officers and personnel on lawful duties, he said “When you talk of strategies, they are always in place. Tactics are always taught, learnt and internalized. And there’s what we call ambush drill, Officers and men are trained, they know what to do.
“However, certain measures that would have confer greater protection are capital intensive and government has so many responsibilities, so many priorities. Security will not say we will wait and fold our hands until everything is provided. Whether with or without, we will get the job done.
“So what would have offered protection will be provision of armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers, with Mine Resistance Vehicles, MRAPs. So such vehicles will protect against mines, protest against improvise explosive devices, protect personnel and make the responsibility a lot safer.
“But these items are expensive. Security is the most important thing. Without it, there can be no development. But we must also recognize that government has a responsibility for health, for education, for homes. for agriculture, for infrastructure, and so many other things.
“So security cannot say bring everything and leave all other sectors empty. So we know the government is concerned, we know government is mindful of the risks and hazards we face. We also know that government is doing something about it. So we will forge ahead, we will continue to do the best of our ability in the service of the nation untill we have the complement of equipment we require to get the job done safely and as efficiently as possible.”
On what he has done against kidnappers, car snatchers, rapist, armed robbers in Anambra State, the CP who hails from Osun State but grew up and had his early life education in Zaria, Kaduna State, said “From my own assessments, kidnapping in Anambra is not worse than several other places in the country. But in Anambra State, several kidnapped gangs have been smashed since I assumed duty.
“And not only are those gangs smashed, we have recovered their weapons, and in many instances we have rescued their victims. As a matter of fact, we rescue as early as when they are still in transit. So the fear that truly there is a counter force on ground, there is a vigilant Security Agency collaborating with other sister agencies watching over the State and watching over the people, of course with support from the State government, it makes them think twice before embarking on any criminal escapade.
“Kidnaps from statistics we have, have nosedived, and it’s almost becoming a thing of the past.
So we will keep on the onslaught, not only against kidnappers, against car snatchers, against armed robbers, against rapists, all elements of crime and criminality will be fought to a standstill. And then the people can truly have peace of mind and are able to pursue whatever life ambitions they have, without let or hindrance.”
Speaking on his preparedness for the Ember months in the State, he said “We are optimistic that come December, the Christmas period, foreigners, Nigerians, Indigbo resident in other parts of the country and resident abroad will troop home in droves because they are in tune and in touch with the improvement in terms of security at home.
“And for many of them who have not been home for many years, they would actually like to come home this December to reunite with loved ones and attend to their family issues and also the celebration, you know of the birthday of Christ.”
On the threats that go with the Ember months, he said “Ember months seem to be what they are, because of the crave for many, especially the youths, to show that they have arrived. It’s a period people come home, people you have not seen for long, classmates, your age grade, town union members, and so on and so forth.
“It is a time elections are conducted in many communities, you know, to appoint President Generals to fill vacancies in executives. It is a time many have their weddings, funerals, housewarming, a lot of ceremonies go on.
“So, especially in Igbo land, it is a period of great festivity and so, a lot of these people strive this time by hook or crook to make it and have a memorable outing at December. So all the rush, all the crime that rises in the months leading to December, especially from September onward is geared towards this great festive period.
“And so people commit crimes to make money to buy cars, to be able to spend freely and impress and oppress their peers with their newfound wealth, and so on and so forth. So this basically is what drives crime.
“Then when you couple that with the fact that it is the beginning of the dry season, when movement is not really hampered, the roads are more motorable. And so a lot of activity, buying and selling, people coming from other parts of the country with a lot of money to patronize the big markets in Onitsha, Nnewi Industrial hub.
“So you find a lot of cash moving, you find a lot of affluent people on the road, intracity and intercity travels. So criminals prey on some of them or they want to prey on them to make it. So these are the factors that contribute to high crime wave, usually in Ember months.
Shedding light on measures already taken to curb Ember months crimes, the CP said “But long before now, the Inspector General of Police has directed us to draw up our operation plans to take care of the expected upsurge in crime during the Ember months. And we have done that. We have put it into operation. We are already executing that operation order and we have kept a tight lead on crime.
“We have intensify surveillance patrols, and our deployments are strategic to ensure that no criminal is given freedom of action or access. So the roads are manned or policed. Surveillance operatives are intermingling with the people, patrolling the various usual spots, where criminals gather, to be several steps ahead of the criminals, to get a sense of what they’re planning and to generate actionable intelligence which fuel our operation.
“And our operations are surgically planned, they are not random, they’re not haphazard. They are well planned and clinically executed, targeted at specifically identified criminal suspects to ensure they are taken out of free circulation to prevent them from wrecking havoc or committing crimes during this Ember months.
“As they are being arrested, they are being interrogated, intelligence are gathered and they are being arraigned in court. And the Judiciary has been very, very collaborative. When we arraign for serious crimes, they make sure they don’t get out on frivolous or flimsy grounds.
“So the other day, we arraigned 34 cultists, they were remanded to Prison custody. And as I was mentioning to you, we have arrested one of the most notorious killers, cultists killers in Awka, he has been responsible for not less than four of the murders that have been committed in the last eight months.
“He is now in our custody, and he has given valuable Intelligence that is helping us to unravel other syndicates, other gangs that are operating not only in Awka, but across the State as a whole and even beyond. This particular suspect was arrested in Enugu through intelligence led operation and through technology.
“So we will not rest on our oars. We will work around the clock, while Anambrarians, residents, visitors, travellers who pass through our territory, enjoy a smooth and safe passage and those who live here enjoy their peace of mind and go about to pursue their life ambition without any threat.
“We are there to neutralize those threats. It is the reason for our existence, and we will not let down our guide and we will make sure we are eternally vigilant in the interest of the people. Ember months is safe and people will enjoy their Christmas,” he assured.
Also assuring that the Police is fully ready to serve Anambrarians in the State, outside and in the diaspora, he said “Anambrarians, I am delighted to have this opportunity to address you both at home, within the state, in other parts of Nigeria and in diaspora.
“The Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State is here to serve you, in partnership with Sister security agencies, the military, the paramilitary and the vigilante, both in the communities and at the state at large, in partnership with your state government and with support of the Federal government and the Force Headquarters, I want to assure all of you that your State, my State, our State, Anambra State, the Light of the Nation will become the State of your dream, where life and property is secured.
“And where the citizens enjoy their human dignity and are able to pursue their life ambitions, both at home and abroad without let or hindrance. We are here to serve you and I want to assure you that Anambra is safe and secure, crime is on a steep decline, and life is returning to normal.
“So I urge you to make plans, buy your tickets early, for those of you in diaspora, come home for Christmas. Let us jollificate together. We are here to serve you. We will ensure you have a safe and Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
On the kind of leadership and support he is getting from the Force Headquarters, CP Adeoye said “The leadership being provided by the Inspector General of Police is second to none. We couldn’t have got better support, better motivation, better encouragement, better leadership by example, than we receive from the current Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun.
“He is an embodiment of discipline. And he does the job with passion. The passion he has brought to bear has affected many of us and we are all out to do him proud and to ensure that in our various domains, we put in our best to make him proud as a service to the nation.
“We get technical support on daily basis, by way of intelligence from the headquarters. We get material support, we get welfare support, we get vehicular support, we get stationaries, we get virtually everything we need, for example for investigation.
“When it comes to logistics, the Force Headquarters can only do as much as it receives from the Federal government. We are mindful of that. Even the gun trucks and the buffalo trucks we use today which have been a game changer, we are given from the Force headquarters. So the Force headquarters has been very supportive.
“The senior officers have provided us with leadership, the DIG in charge of Operations, the DIG in charge of the South East, our AIG at the Zone supervising this Command and Enugu State Command, the DIG in charge of Criminal Investigation. All these senior officers have given us tremendous support, of course, you know as started by the Inspector General of Police, himself.
“So we are in tune with the Force Headquarters. We are in tandem with aspirations and vision and mission of the Inspector General of Police. And the philosophy he has enunciated is what actually drive our approach to duty,” he stated.
While so much safety assurance is being given to Anambrarians at home and in diaspora, it is hoped that the security situation in the State will continue to improve in all the communities.
All hands should be on deck to totally return the State to the peace, security and free movement of persons and goods, whether day or night, like it used to be prior to the IPOB declaration.
Total peace in the State will also go a long way to boost and turnaround the economic fortunes of the State.
Above all, Anambra State that is blessed with many natural resources, good agro-soil, commercial and industrial power, should be allowed to be the true guiding “Light of the Nation”.
