The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has given all formations and operational units of the command 48 hours to apprehend the attackers responsible for the k!lling of two police officers.
He issued the directive on Monday during an emergency security meeting with senior police officers and heads of operations at the command headquarters.
The Commissioner of Police demanded swift action, stressing that such an attack on security personnel would not be tolerated under his leadership.
“I want you to fish out the attackers and the k!llers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
“I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them,” he said.
According to him, the slain officers must get justice, adding that he cannot remain silent while police personnel continue to lose their lives at the hands of criminals.
“I hereby declare ‘Operation Fish Them Out.’ Criminals cannot continue to take advantage of the night to unleash violence in the state.
“This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities,” he ordered.
Orutugu also urged members of the public to be vigilant and cautious of individuals posing as security personnel at checkpoints.
He noted that investigations had revealed that some criminal elements now operate while dressed in police and military uniforms.
“The general public is hereby advised to be vigilant concerning persons operating at various checkpoints, as some miscreants now wear security uniforms while carrying out criminal activities,” he said.
The police commissioner further warned motorists and commuters to exercise caution while travelling along the Amansea-Ufuma Road, describing it as a lonely stretch that has recently become a haven for criminal activities.
“The Amansea-Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he added.
Orutugu, however, reassured residents that the command remains committed, prepared, and battle-ready to guarantee the safety of lives and property across Anambra State.
He expressed confidence that significant breakthroughs would be achieved within the next 48 hours.
It would be recalled that security operatives attached to the Chief of Staff to Governor Charles Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo, came under attack on Sunday night.
The Chief of Staff had attended a function on behalf of the governor and was returning to Awka when the incident occurred.
According to reports, gunmen laid an ambush along the Amansea-Ufuma Road at about 8:30 p.m. and attacked the convoy, as well as other road users. The attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers and several civilians.
Chief Ben Nwankwo, however, escaped unharmed, reportedly due to the swift actions of his official driver during the attack.
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