In a renewed push to tackle rising insecurity in the South-East, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has appealed for deeper collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, and residents to bolster safety and peace in the region.
The appeal came during a high-level security engagement organized by News Central at a town hall meeting in Awka on Thursday. The gathering, which brought together traditional rulers, security operatives, youth groups, and civil society organisations, focused on forging a united front against persistent security challenges such as kidnapping, violent crimes, and communal conflicts across Anambra and the wider South-East.
CP Orutugu emphasized that addressing insecurity requires a grassroots approach anchored on trust and constant dialogue with the people. He urged Ndi Anambra to partner actively with the police and other relevant agencies to ensure peace returns to troubled areas.
“The rising insecurity in the South-East is not something the police or government alone can handle. We must work hand in hand with communities, traditional institutions, and youth groups to fish out criminal elements and restore law and order. Security is a collective responsibility,” the CP stated.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the activities of non-state actors such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he accused of contributing to the breakdown of peace through violent agitations. According to him, restoring normalcy requires not just tactical operations but also dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms that reflect the socio-cultural realities of the people.
The police chief stressed the need to embrace alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, especially in addressing issues related to land disputes, kingship tussles, boundary disagreements, and clashes between farmers and herders. He noted that these disputes, when left unresolved, often escalate into full-blown violence, undermining peace efforts in affected communities.
“We must begin to embrace dialogue and peaceful means of settling disputes. Where there is no justice, there will be no peace. ADR is key to preventing many of the conflicts that later lead to serious security threats,” he added.
CP Orutugu also lamented the erosion of moral values among the youth, urging parents and guardians to become more intentional in mentoring their children. He noted that a failure in the home often reflects in the larger society, contributing to the moral decline that fuels criminal activities.
Highlighting the successes recorded through recent collaborations, the police boss revealed that partnerships with local industrialists and traditional rulers had yielded valuable intelligence and resources, boosting ongoing security operations in the state. He called for more of such synergy, noting that local knowledge remains a crucial asset in crime fighting.
The event also witnessed contributions from notable dignitaries including His Royal Majesty, Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka JP of Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area, Nneka Chimezie, the National President of the Igbo Women Assembly, and Hon. Barr. Titus N. Akpudo. Others present included Prof. Nwaogwugwu, a former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Secretary of the Board of Directors at the Institute of Social Policy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).
These stakeholders echoed the Commissioner’s call, emphasizing that enlightenment and sustained public engagement are crucial in building trust and ensuring community cooperation. They clarified that the government’s current anti-crime drive is not targeted at traditional values or customs but aimed at preventing their exploitation for unlawful purposes.
Speaking further, the dignitaries underlined the importance of maintaining human rights, professional standards, and non-partisan security operations. They collectively reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the police and other agencies to develop long-lasting solutions to the region’s insecurity.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), vigilante groups, women organisations, youth forums, and other relevant stakeholders.
The town hall meeting ended with a unanimous agreement that security must remain above politics and that all hands must be on deck to build a safer, more united Anambra State and South-East region at large.
