By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
The Anambra State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its fight against crime in 2025, revealing that operatives rescued 35 kidnapped victims, arrested more than 300 criminal suspects, and recovered over 2,000 arms, ammunition, and explosives across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed these figures on Wednesday during an end-of-year press briefing held at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka. The briefing provided a detailed account of the command’s operational achievements, challenges, and security outlook ahead of the festive season.
According to Orutugu, the results reflect a year of sustained, intelligence-driven policing and improved collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Intelligence-Led Operations Drive Arrests and Recoveries
Speaking at the briefing, the police commissioner said the successes recorded were made possible through proactive policing strategies, actionable intelligence, and consistent support from residents across Anambra State.
He explained that crime trends fluctuated during the year due to wider socio-economic pressures and evolving national security dynamics. Despite these challenges, the command intensified patrols, dismantled criminal networks, and neutralised several threats through targeted operations.
Among the key achievements listed were the disruption of multiple kidnapping syndicates operating in different local government areas, the dismantling of criminal hideouts and notorious black spots through sustained raids, and the strengthening of community policing structures to ensure residents remained actively involved in safeguarding their neighbourhoods.
Joint Security Efforts Yield Major Breakthroughs
Orutugu highlighted improved inter-agency collaboration as a major factor behind the command’s operational successes. He noted that joint operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Agunaechemba operatives, and other security outfits played a crucial role throughout the year.
Through these coordinated efforts, security agencies responded swiftly to distress calls, tracked criminal movements, and conducted intelligence-led raids that resulted in the rescue of 35 kidnapping victims.
In addition, over 300 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, rape, secessionist activities, and other serious offences were arrested during the year.
Over 2,000 Arms, Ammunition, Explosives Recovered
Providing further operational details, the commissioner revealed that more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives and other dangerous items, were recovered from criminal elements during various operations in 2025.
He also confirmed that over 60 stolen vehicles, including motorcycles, were recovered across the state. Several criminal cases, he said, had already been successfully prosecuted, leading to convictions and reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement.
One of the most notable breakthroughs, Orutugu disclosed, was the re-arrest of suspects involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, including the alleged gang leader. He also confirmed the arrest of suspects responsible for the murder of three Cameroonian nationals, adding that the bodies of the victims were recovered during the operation.
Normalcy Gradually Returns to Troubled Areas
The police commissioner noted that sustained security operations had begun to restore normal social life in previously volatile areas, particularly Ihiala. According to him, residents have resumed weddings, birthday celebrations, and other community events without fear of intimidation or harassment.
He described this development as a clear indication that persistent security presence and community engagement can reverse criminal dominance and restore public confidence.
Festive Season Security Measures Announced
As the festive season approaches, Orutugu assured residents that robust security arrangements had been put in place across Anambra State to ensure a peaceful end-of-year period.
He warned that the use of firecrackers and other social explosives remains prohibited in the state, stressing that violators would be dealt with according to the law.
The commissioner also urged residents to comply with traffic regulations, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, secure their homes and valuables before travelling, and report suspicious movements promptly to security agencies. He further advised motorists to use only designated motor parks to reduce exposure to criminal activity.
Police Acknowledge Challenges, Pledge Improved Strategy
Despite the successes recorded, Orutugu acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the changing tactics of criminal elements, occasional resistance during operations, misinformation, and non-cooperation from some members of the public.
He assured residents that the command would continue to refine its strategies, strengthen capacity, and deepen partnerships with communities and sister agencies to enhance operational effectiveness in the coming year.
Reaffirming the police commitment to a safer Anambra State, the commissioner said sustained intelligence gathering, community trust, and coordinated enforcement would remain central to the command’s security strategy in the new year.
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