We ‘ll not tolerate criminals, troublemakers, Anambra new CP warns 

ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – New Commissioner of Police in Anambra state Mr. Tony Olofu has warned the criminals and troublemakers in the state to relocate or be ruthlessly dealt with. Olofu, gave the warning in his maiden briefing with newsmen in Awka Anambra State on Thursday.

 According to him, those who have been misled to take to crimes, should  retrace their  steps as the command is poised to deal squarely with all acts of criminality without regard for status.  Olofu, said that he is in the state to maintain peace and order as there would not be room for criminal elements to operate.

“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, attack on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, government infrastructures and sundry offenses.

Undoubtedly, the command has been bold in confronting these challenges and indeed recorded several successes in curbing some of these crimes.

In keeping with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman to rejig and stabilize the security architecture and 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 further stated that, in addition  to fighting all forms of violent crimes, the command would adopt   Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community policing principles where applicable  for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues

He also warned the police personnel  against professional misconduct ,especially  extortion, unlawful detention and incivility to members of the public among others. The CP   enjoined  members of the public to promptly report erring officers to the Command for appropriate sanction.

 “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 Alkali Baba Usman” he said .

Olofu also appealed to the media to partner with the police as a critical partner  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 stated.

He called on the people of Anambra State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and continue to partner and support the Police and other security state.

“We will  synergize and collaborate towards combating all forms of criminality as well as ensure public security and safety in the state” he stated, The CP also urged the public to report any  suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest police station or call the emergency numbers, 112 or  07039194332 for immediate action.