Anambra Police Tasks Residents On Vigilance As Yuletide Draws Near

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents, visitors, and business operators to remain alert and pay close attention to their surroundings in the ‘Ember months’.

According to the Police CP, the advisory became necessary considering the period between September and December which often witness increased commercial activities, heavy movement of people and goods, festive events, and consequently, spike in “opportunistic criminal” behaviour.

This advisory was issued in a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

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,” the statement reads.

Ikioye assured the public that the Command is fully committed to safeguarding lives and property throughout the period and beyond.

The statement added that operatives have intensified visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids on identified criminal hideouts.

It added that joint security deployments are active across public places, markets, religious centres and major transit points.

He also appealed to residents to stay alert and limit unnecessary late-night movement.

The CP advised that homes, shops, and business facilities be properly secured, and urged immediate reporting of suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

Communities were also encouraged to reinforce their local security arrangements in partnership with the Police.

Additionally, the Command cautioned drivers against over-speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and general disregard for traffic rules, advising motorists to maintain their vehicles and avoid night travel when possible.

In the statement, the CP further warned the public about the rise in digital and financial fraud during the festive season.

“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.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to responding promptly to complaints against police personnel and to providing necessary security support when required.

The CP however encouraged the public to reach the Command through the following emergency contacts; Control Room Hotline: 07039194332; CP Monitoring Unit: 08035893571; X-Squad: 07053614331; Anti-Fraud/Command Intelligence Officer: 08064018319; PPRO: 08039334002.