Zero Kidnapping: Police Urges Anambra Citizens to Return En-masse for Easter

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Police Command has urged citizens to return home en-masse for the Easter festive period, assuring them of their safety and security.

Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu gave the advice on Monday at the launch of Operation code-named Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes in the State.

He said the move was aimed at dislodging criminal elements, assist security agencies to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence as well as ensure continued safety and security of all residents.

According to the CP, Security Forces, through the launch were more motivated as the operation would give them more coordinated approach to reclaim the public space.

He added that the launch proper would also serve as a daily brief to always restrategize as the operation unfolds.

He said, “The purpose of this Press Briefing today 14th April 2025 is to let Ndi Anambra and residents know after a review and evaluation of policing capabilities to nip in the bud serious crimes like Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond.

“The Police as the lead agency in internal security have emplaced an Operation code-named Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes in the State, a proactive template to assuage the fear of the unknown to effectively police the State by encouraging the great people of Anambra State to come home en-masse for this festive period.

“Let us reiterate that no one can take the glory alone in the efforts of sustaining safety and security in the State, as the Operation comprises the Police, the Army from 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), the Navy from the Naval Outpost, Department of State Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS).

“Others are Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Vigilante and most importantly Ndi Anambra and its teeming populace who have resolved to work with the security agencies in sharing information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and other criminals.

“The Security Forces are now more motivated, as the operation will give them a more coordinated approach to reclaiming the public space. It will also serve as a daily brief to always restrategize as the operation unfolds.

“Furthermore, various Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) as well as other Security Formations/Security agencies have been directed to conduct massive raids on identified criminal flashpoints and hot spots within their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

“This strategic move is aimed at dislodging criminal elements. It will also assist the security agencies to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence as well as ensuring the continued safety and security of all residents.

“Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and other violent crimes in the State is intelligence-driven with Stop-and-Search operations, Joint Security targeted patrols and the Operatives posted to identify locations with Amorured Personnel Carriers on alert to respond to any untoward situations.

“To this end, we have a Joint Security Information Room for Ndi Anambra to report any suspicious activity. The numbers are:
Police – 07039194332
NDLEA – 09136832679
NSDC – 08066769442
FRSC – 122
Anambra State Viglinates – 511 and 122.
and Others we shall provide as the Operations commence.”

While seeking cooperation of people and residents of the state, CP assured them that the Operatives have been fully briefed to be civil to the public.

“We want to thank the State Government and good-spirited Ndi Anambra for their goodwill in fixing some of our Operational vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

“Together, we can make Anambra State a safer and livable homeland for everyone,” he added.