By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has announced decisive security measures aimed at averting cult-related violence and maintaining law and order across the state, particularly in student-dominated areas. This followed intelligence reports indicating plans by the Neo-Black Movement of Africa to stage cult initiations and supremacy battles, which could lead to serious public disorder.
According to security update contained in a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga; the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, directed a total clampdown on any unlawful gatherings linked to cult groups or activities capable of threatening public peace. He said the CP emphasized the importance of preemptive action, stressing that the command would not tolerate any form of criminal assembly under any guise.
According to him, the security architecture has been strengthened, particularly through the deployment of the School Protection Squad (SPS) — a special team established by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to safeguard schools, students, and institutional facilities. He noted that the squad and other tactical units would intensify both overt and covert operations across identified hotspots, including parks, lounges, hotels, and student lodges, to foil any sinister plans.
The statement said the CP also issued a stern warning to proprietors of hotels, bars, lounges, studio apartments, and similar establishments, urging them not to allow their facilities to be used for cult-related gatherings or any suspicious meetings. He maintained that any operator found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
The police Boss called on the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities or gatherings capable of breaching public peace, even as he assured that the command is fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property, and to upholding the peace Anambra State is known for. Members of the public were also encouraged to reach out to their local Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) or Area Commanders whose contact details were also made available to the public.
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