Be vigilant during festive season, Anambra CP urges residents

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has called on residents, visitors and business owners across the state to be vigilant and conscious of their environment as activities increase during the “Ember months” period.

Orutugu said the security advice became necessary because the ember months, usually from September to December, are typically associated with heightened commercial activities, increased movement of people and goods, festivities, and a rise in “opportunistic criminal” activities.

This was contained in a statement released by the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday.

The statement read in part, “As the year gradually comes to an end and activities across Anambra State increase during the ‘Ember months’, the Anambra State Police Command wishes to issue this important security advisory to residents, visitors, business owners, and road users across the State.

The ‘Ember months’ – September to December are typically associated with heightened commercial activities, increased movement of people and goods, festivities, and, unfortunately, a rise in opportunistic criminal activities.”

He assured residents that the Command remained fully committed to ensuring the safety, peace, and security of Ndi Anambra throughout the ember months and beyond.

“The CP has stated that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety, peace, and security of Ndi Anambra throughout this period and beyond.

The operatives of the Command have intensified visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids on identified criminal hideouts. Joint security deployments are active across public places, markets, religious centres and major transit points.

“The CP, however, urges residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Avoid late-night movements, unless absolutely necessary. Ensure that their homes, shops, and business premises are properly secured. To report suspicious persons, gatherings, or activities immediately to the nearest Police formation.

“Communities are further encouraged to strengthen their local security networks in collaboration with the Police. The Command also warns against reckless driving, excess speeding, drunk driving and violation of traffic rules. Motorists are advised to service their vehicles, obey traffic officers, and avoid night journeys where possible,” he stated.

The police boss added, “Furthermore, residents should be cautious of online transactions, fraudulent investment schemes, fake job offers, and identity theft, which often increase during the festive period. Residents are further enjoined to always Verify before you trust, as Security is a shared responsibility.”

The CP also restated his resolve to always attend to complaints of misconduct by personnel, share security information and requests for security services.

He encouraged residents to reach the police command Control Room Hotline on 07039194332, CP Monitoring Unit: 08035893571, X-Squad: 07053614331, Anti-Fraud/Command intelligence officer: 08064018319, PPRO: 08039334002, in times of emergency.

“Let it be known that the Anambra State Police Command will not tolerate any form of criminal activity during this season. Individuals or groups planning to take advantage of the festivities for crime should desist, as the full weight of the law awaits offenders,” the statement added.

Online had report in June that the state police command urged residents of the state to expose criminals among them to maintain law and order, prevent crimes and ensure public safety.

Ikenga, who made the call in a statement, said that the Joint Security Force in the state had already stepped up surveillance and patrols to nip it in the bud.

“Following the recent security assessment, the Anambra State Police Command has reiterated the importance of community participation in maintaining security and preventing crimes.

“Consequently, the state police command urges residents not to be discouraged, but to remain vigilant and cooperative with the security agencies in exposing unrepentant criminals in the state.

“By doing so, residents can play a crucial role in helping the police to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and ensure public safety,” Ikenga said.

He enjoined members of the public to call the command’s control room phone number or the PPRO for a prompt response to any emergency or breach of peace.