Anambra Police Mobilize Citizens to Expose Criminals and Enhance Community Safety Through Vigilance and Collaboration

 

The Anambra State Police Command is calling on residents to take a proactive stance in exposing criminal elements within their communities, highlighting the significance of public cooperation in building a safer society.

A statement released on Monday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, emphasized that residents must not relent in supporting law enforcement efforts, especially amid ongoing security challenges. He revealed that the state’s Joint Security Force has already ramped up its activities, with increased surveillance and intensified patrols aimed at deterring criminal behavior.

Rather than adopting a reactive posture, the police are encouraging residents to see themselves as stakeholders in maintaining peace and order. Ikenga stated that timely information from members of the public remains a vital tool for crime prevention and rapid response by security operatives. According to him, the effectiveness of the police is often tied to the level of support and information they receive from vigilant and cooperative citizens.

Authorities have assessed the recent security situation across Anambra and, in response, adjusted their operational strategies. One of the core outcomes of this review has been the emphasis on community engagement as a central pillar of crime-fighting initiatives. Residents have been urged to speak out against individuals or groups involved in criminal activities, even if such individuals live within their neighborhoods or families.

Ikenga reassured the public that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that whistleblowers and informants remain protected. He maintained that exposing criminality should not be seen as a dangerous act, but rather as a necessary step towards creating a safe and stable environment for everyone.

He said, “The Anambra State Police Command is deeply committed to safeguarding lives and property, but our efforts alone are not enough. We need active collaboration from residents. We are urging members of the public not to allow fear or discouragement to stop them from reporting criminals in their midst. Let us work together to ensure that these individuals have no place to hide.”

The police spokesperson also provided multiple channels through which residents can reach out to the authorities in times of emergency. These include the command’s control room phone number, direct lines to Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, and the “NPF Rescue Me App”, which is now available for free download on Android and iOS platforms.

This app, according to the police, offers users the ability to report crimes, emergencies, or suspicious activity in real-time. It also provides access to critical security information and guidance on what to do during threatening situations.

Beyond just providing tips or making reports, Ikenga urged community leaders, youth groups, market associations, and religious bodies to serve as platforms for promoting dialogue around safety and vigilance. He said the role of traditional and grassroots institutions cannot be underestimated in fostering collective security.

The police command also reminded residents of its ongoing efforts to remove criminal hideouts across the state. Recent operations have targeted known flashpoints, and more such exercises are expected in the coming weeks. Officers have also been directed to be more visible and approachable in their patrol duties, with the goal of fostering trust between the police and the public.

Security experts have long argued that community policing is not merely about increasing the number of officers on the streets, but about building meaningful partnerships between law enforcement and the people they serve. The Anambra State Police Command appears to be leaning heavily into that philosophy, seeking not just compliance but collaboration from every segment of society.

As the state works to bolster its internal security architecture, the collective voice and action of its residents will prove crucial. From rural communities to bustling urban centers, the message remains the same: see something, say something. The burden of security, after all, is not one borne by the government alone, but by all who wish to live in peace.