No fewer than 30 suspects have been arrested in different parts of Anambra State over cultism, robbery, kidnapping and other sundry offences during the yuletide celebration.
The Comissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Amawbia, said his men sacrificed the festive season to ensure the state was safe for residents to celebrate.
He said, “From the first day of December, 2023 to January 8, 2024, the Police in the state have arrested a total of 12 suspected kidnappers, nine armed robbers, six cultists, and three insurgents.
“Two kidnap victims were rescued while 11 stolen vehicles, 12 firearm, and 40 ammunition were recovered within the said period. Some of the arrests and recoveries were made at different locations based on tip-off.
The CP added, “We sacrificed our Christmas and New Year celebrations to make sure Anambra was safe. It is our delight that people had a peaceful celebration.
“It will interest the public to also note how the command launched a manhunt and went after those criminals that killed two police officers from Enugu State Command at Uga Roundabout, Aguata LGA, on December 28, 2023.
“On December 31, 2023, the command went after them at their camp in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area, where three of them were gunned down. In the process, two police officers were also injured and they are right now receiving treatment.
“In that encounter, we rescued a 51-year-old man who was abducted on the day the attack was launched. After that encounter, we have not had any other encounter in the state. We will not relent until every one of the insurgents is haunted down.
“During the Christmas celebrations, we did not want to bother the public about the successes we have recorded, but now that everyone is in a relaxed mood, we called you to update you on the successes we have recorded in our fight against the criminal insurgents.
“The new year has started on a good note for the command, there is peace and there is tranquillity in Anambra, but the only problem in the state now is the huge traffic congestion we are witnessing here and there.
“The fact that people can go from place to place without any fear of harassment gives us joy. I thank the media for the visibility of our activities and we promised to continue with the work we are doing.
“We will continue to tell you the true report of things without any embellishments.”
Adeoye further assured that the Command under his watch would continue to work assiduously to ensure all entrances connecting Anambra with neighbouring states of Enugu and Imo, where the hoodlums were suspected to be operating, were blocked completely.
He appealed to the public to continue to furnish the Command with useful information that could aid in apprehending miscreants in their midsts.
The CP equally solicited the continued support and cooperation of the media in the accurate dissemination of information to the public.
