The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended four Anambra Vigilante Group Commanders over alleged involvement in criminal activities within the state.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, made this revelation on Thursday during a gathering with vigilante groups and key security stakeholders at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka.
The CP disclosed that the arrests, made in separate hideouts, led to the recovery of illegal arms and ammunition.
He further alleged that a significant portion of crimes in the state could be traced back to vigilante operatives who harbor ill intentions towards the peace and progress of Anambra.
These arrests, coming within 26 days of CP Itam’s assumption of office as the 34th Commissioner of Police in the State, highlight the commitment to restoring law and order.
He condemned various irregularities perpetrated by vigilante groups, including illegal detention of suspects, mob justice, unauthorized security fees, and assault on suspects.
Dismissing the notion of ‘unknown gunmen’ in Anambra, Itam asserted that those disrupting the state’s peace are individuals living among the populace, known to community leaders who are aware of their operational bases.
This crackdown on criminal elements within vigilante groups underscores the resolve of security agencies to maintain peace and security in Anambra State.
“I disclosed this for you people to know that, we are all aware of this ugly situation in a great state like Anambra.
“This meeting is aimed to strengthen the already existing relationship between the Police, AVG, and other local security outfits operating in the state.
“What we need to do to restore total peace and for every citizen to sleep with their two eyes closed in Anambra State is a God-fearing cooperation between the Police, the AVG, and the community leaders. And if this is achieved, I assure you people, there will be nothing like kidnapping, killings, and other criminal activities in the state. We must all work together to restore hope in Anambra State,” The CP said.
In a bid to enhance security and maintain public order in Anambra State, CP Itam reiterated his commitment to an all-inclusive policing approach, encouraging cooperation from all individuals and groups willing to assist in law enforcement.
He praised the vigilante groups and other security outfits for their dedication and urged them to avoid being manipulated against each other, especially in the communities they serve.
The Commissioner expressed the police’s readiness to work closely with legitimate security outfits, proposing a State Policing Model under the Police Community Policing Committee.
This model aims to streamline intelligence sharing among security outfits for effective policing.
The state chairman of Anambra Vigilante Group, Mr Chineye Ihenko, pledged full cooperation in the fight against insurgency. Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, lauded the initiative and called for sustained engagement.
However, some stakeholders, including Chris Udeze, Chidozie Osoroh, Barr. Paul Okoye, and Elvis Okolie, raised concerns about the weak security structure in Ihiala Local Government Area, wrongful arrests, exposure of informants, and poor working conditions for vigilante operatives.
The meeting, attended by the Police Command’s Management Team, State and Zonal Chairman PCRC, representatives from various security agencies, and community leaders, signifies a collaborative effort towards enhancing security and fostering peace in Anambra State.
