Insecurity : Anambra Police, vigilante group, hunters, others strategize

By Cyprian Ebele, Oniitsha

The Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP, Nnaghe Obono Itam, played host as the police, vigilante groups, Hunters Association of Nigeria, among others strategized on curtailing insecurity situation in the state.

Addressing the gathering, CP Itam restated his policing Plan, to operate an all-inclusive policing system to hear from everyone and anyone that will assist the security agencies in enforcing the law, maintain public order and safety in the State.

Commending them at the event held at Women Development Centre, Awka, the CP expressed satisfaction with the role of the vigilantes and other security outfits for their commitment, dedication, and selfless service in assisting the Police to nip crime in the bud in the State.

He frowned at some of the abnormalities observed within the communities among the vigilantes that he said included, illegal detention of suspects, mob actions, illegal security levy, and assault on suspects, among others and urged them not to allow themselves to be used against one another, especially in the community they are expected to protect.

The Police boss pledged greater cooperation of officers and men of the Command to the legitimate and recognized security outfits in the State even as he proposed the creation of a State Policing Model anchored on the platform of the Police Community Policing Committee that will accommodate all security outfits to police the State, aimed at sharing of harmonized intelligent information.

During the interactive session, the security operatives expressed satisfaction with the CP and stated their concerns which the CP addressed.

Responding, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Tony Collins Nwabunne applauded the CP and noted that this is the first of its kind in the state and pleaded that it continuous.

Those in attendance includes; Management Team of the Police Command, State and Zonal Chairmen of PCRC, Rep of the Director, State Security Department Awka, Hunters Association of Nigeria, Rep of National President of Town Union Association in the State, Rep of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, members of Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), among others.