CP Ikioye Orutugu, the newly appointed 35th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, has pledged to fully reclaim the public space across the state and maintain law and order. Speaking during a press briefing on February 10, 2025, CP Orutugu emphasized his commitment to addressing the rising tide of crime in the state, particularly ideology-based crimes that target unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, and government infrastructure.
In his words, he said "In keeping with the vision to stabilize the security architecture in the State, I am on a mission to fully reclaim the public space across the State as well as maintain law and order. I intend to address the attitude of the people on ideology based on crime bordering on attack on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, abduction of persons and destruction of government infrastructures and other sundry offences."
CP Orutugu also condemned the recent gruesome murder of three siblings in Nnewi, whose bodies were found in a fridge. He assured the family and relatives of the victims that the police would leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the crime and ensuring that justice is served.
"We are here today on a spot assessment of the unfortunate incident of the murder of three siblings and kept in the fridge here in Nnewi. I am also here to console the family/relatives of the victims and to reiterate the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command over this unwholesome crime, unlike other similar incidents recorded in the State which bordered on kidnapping of individuals and sudden disappearance of persons. We shall unravel the circumstances surrounding such and ensure that the suspects are arrested and justice served."
The new commissioner praised the launch of (Operation Udo Ga Chi) by the state government, which he said aims to promote peace and security in the state. He promised to support this initiative by deploying intelligence assets, collaborating with sister security agencies, and engaging with organized vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
"To support this move, the Command under my watch shall take every professional step in crime prevention to enhance crime-fighting strategies through strategic deployment of our intelligence assets and robust synergy with sister security agencies, organized vigilante groups and other stakeholders."
He however commended members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, whom he said are a 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 the State confers on you the position of stakeholders."
"I therefore count on your valuable support, devoid of sentiments, by reporting security-related incidents in the most professional and objective manner."
CP Orutugu therefore called on the people of Anambra State to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to continue to partner with the police and other security agencies to combat crime. He also warned those involved in criminal activities to retrace their steps, as the command would deal decisively with all acts of criminality without regard for status.