By Augustine Ehikioya
The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Tony Olofu, on Thursday promised that the Police Command under him will leave no stone unturned to checkmate acts of criminality in the State.
To achieve this, he said, policing strategies for crime prevention will be enhanced in the State.
His plan to take drastic measures against crimes in the State, he said, is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba , to rejig and stabilize the security architecture in the country.
In a press statement obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA), Olofu said: “It is my pleasure to address you today 16th September, 2021, as the 31st Commissioner of Police, Anambra State. I give thanks to the Almighty God for his favour and mercies and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), fdc, NPM, for finding me worthy to serve as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command at this critical moment of our nation’s history.
“Upon my assumption of duty within the last few days, I have been briefed on a number of security challenges the State is facing at the moment. These include armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, dispute over land, kingship tussles, boundary issues, farmers/herders clashes, public disturbances, attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, government infrastructures and sundry offences.
“Undoubtedly, the Command has been bold in confronting these challenges and indeed recorded several successes in curbing some of these crimes. I have equally been briefed of the immense support of the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the State and wish to appreciate them for supporting the Police in the noble course of enforcing law and order.
“In keeping with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), fdc, NPM, to rejig and stabilize the security architecture to be able to fully reclaim the public space across the country as well as maintain law and order, the Command under my watch shall take drastic measures in crime prevention across the State.
“We will undertake critical threat analysis, embark on painstaking intelligence gathering through strategic deployment of our intelligence assets, robust synergy with sister security agencies, organized vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
“To this end, the Command shall enhance crime fighting strategies that will be more proactive to dominate the public space and checkmate acts of criminality in the State,” he said.
He went on “Alongside our strong resolve to fight all forms of violent crimes, the window of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community policing principles where applicable, will be open for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues.
“I am not unmindful of other challenges bordering on professional misconduct on the part of our officers and men such as extortion, unlawful detention and incivility to members of the public among others,” he added.
He urged members of the public to promptly report erring officers to the Command for appropriate sanction as “I am firm in my believe that every resident or visitor to Anambra State deserves to be treated decently in line with the policing principles handed down by the IGP Usman Alkali Baba.”
To journalists, he said “There is no doubt, that as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, you are critical partners in the peace and security architecture of the State. Your primary role in communicating effectively and transparently to the general public, major incidents in our country confers on you the position of stakeholders.
“How we manage this vital and sensitive role especially at this critical time when elections are approaching should weigh in favour of our national interest.
” I therefore count on your valuable support devoid of sentiments to be able to effectively police Anambra State. I wish to extend my hand of fellowship and urge you all to join me in fighting acts of criminality in the State, especially by reporting security-related incidents in the most professional and objective manner.”
He also noted that Anambra State is blessed with vibrant, energetic and enterprising people full of potentials.
“The potentials can only be fully realized in a peaceful, secured environment. I want to assure all Ndi Anambra that the Command will do everything possible professionally, to achieve this.
“I urge the good people of Anambra State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and continue to partner and support the Police and other security agencies, as we synergize and collaborate towards combating all forms of criminality as well as ensure public security and safety in the State.
“For those who have been misled to take to crime, you are warned to retrace your steps as the Command is poised to deal squarely with all acts of criminality without regard for status.
“I also appeal to you all not to hesitate in reporting suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest Police station or call the emergency numbers, 112 and 07039194332,” he stated.