IGP commissions new police station, barracks in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba on Wednesday commissioned ultra modern divisional police station, as well as police barracks for senior police officers of the division.

Speaking during the commissioning in Amawbia, near Awka, Baba described the edifices as a drop in the ocean as far as police is concerned, stressing that the force needed more of such facilities to accommodate officers and provide them with better working environment. 

“This is one of the projects to motivate our officers and retirement after work. In this spirit of federal character, we’ve spread it across the country. We’ll try to replicate this,” he added.

He vowed that the force would not relent in its efforts to ensure safety and security for the people of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

He warned those hiding under agitation for a separate state to perpetuate criminal acts in the State to desist, describing it as smokescreen for criminality.

He congratulated the people of the state for their determination to live together and surmount increasing security challenges in the region, assuring them of maximum support.

He said, “Anambra may be one of the boiling points if not the most, you have a security friendly governor who’s assisting us with condusive environment.

“Don’t relent, we’ll defeat them hands down. As for the secessionist careless idea that’s being unlawfully advocated, they won’t continue. 

“There are better ways of agitation. But the ones we’re witnessing is not tolerable and government can’t be intimidated.  This is criminality, and the agitation for Biafra is just a smokescreen for criminality.”

The IGP further promised to provide level playing ground for politicians and electorates to freely exercise their franchise ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Earlier, Governor Chukwuma Soludo appreciated the IGP for finding the state worthy to be one of the beneficiaries of the facility. 

Soludo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Rtd AVM Ben Chiobi assured continued synergy with the police and other security agencies to ensure Anambra remained the safest state in the country.

He said, “What I’m seeing here is mindboggling and very exciting, probably the type we see overseas. For me to hear that it’s one of 120 stations that is already here is worth applauding.

“I’m sure we’ll be lucky to benefit more things to assist us in our efforts towards maintaining the safest state status.”

Earlier, State police commissioner, Echeng Echeng described the new stations as mile stone in repositioning of police force for better delivery.

He expressed joy that Anambra has been largely peaceful for over 10 months, despite actions of criminals, appealing to the IG for the mobilisation of armoured tank to the state to help stabilize the recorded successes.

“We are poised to ensure a peaceful yuletide in the state, and the need for more logistics support can not be over emphasized,” he said.