……..Parades Suspected Kidnappers, Others
By Uzoma Nzeagwu
Anambra State Police Command has assured that despite some setbacks, security operatives.
remains resolute in stabilizing the security landscape of the state, while also protecting lives and property.
Addressing newsmen yesterday at the Command Headquarters Amawbia, the newly posted Commissioner of Police to the State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, stated that the purpose of the briefing yesterday was to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, murdered late last year.
Orutugu added that he will highlight some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review, including, arrest of suspected criminals, rescue of an abducted victims.
According to him, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the State.
He said investigations confirm that the incident took place on 8th February 2025 in Obosi. Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, are among the eleven (11) suspects already apprehended and paraded by the Command, adding,”While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers to the criminal gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State. According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.
Continuing, he disclosed that in an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of this operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle. Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.
He said,”On 18th February 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, police operatives on patrol in the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha intercepted and arrested one Orji Chigozie, a male suspect. Upon searching his belongings, officers recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag. Preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in criminal activities in the area. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and subsequent legal action.
“Following an extensive and coordinated operation, police operatives successfully rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala in the early hours of 19th February 2025. The victim had been abducted by suspected armed men at approximately 11:30 PM on 18th February 2025 along Ilo Akpukwu Road, Nkwelle Ezunaka.
“Prior to the rescue, operatives from the 3-3 Division engaged the armed men in a hot pursuit, forcing them to abandon an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which had been reported as stolen and used in the abduction. The vehicle has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
While pledging his commitment to enhancing security and protection of lives and property,
CP Orutugu said,”On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies, I wish to assure the public that we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents”.
He promised that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security coverage, and tactical efficiency, insisting that their goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
