The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, on Thursday officially handed over 30 Hilux patrol vehicles to the Anambra State Police Command to strengthen security operations across the state.
The event took place at the old governor’s Lodge Amawbia,Awka south local government area.
Speaking during a brief handover ceremony, Governor Soludo commended the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and officers of the command for their dedication and the noticeable improvement in security across Anambra State.
The Governor recalled that in January of last year, the state government launched Operation Udo Ga Chi, a joint security task force established to confront criminal activities and restore law and order.
According to him, the initiative has yielded significant results over the past 12 months, leading to a substantial reduction in crime.
He noted that the improved security environment encouraged a massive return of Anambra indigenes during the Christmas festivities, as residents and visitors felt reassured about their safety. Soludo expressed gratitude to security operatives for restoring sanity and stability across the state.
Commending the commitment of the security agencies, the Governor praised their vigilance and sacrifice, stating that they “remain awake so that others can sleep.”
He added that their efforts had restored public confidence and peace in communities across the state.
“Your dedication has encouraged a mass return of Ndi Anambra to their communities this Christmas, confident in the safety of their homeland,” the Governor stated.
Governor Soludo further cited the heavy traffic he experienced on his way to the event which delayed him for over two hours as visible evidence of the influx of people and those who returned home for Christmas.
In appreciation of the police command’s performance, the Governor said the state government decided to hand over the 30 Hilux patrol vehicles to enhance operational capacity and sustain the ongoing security gains.
According to him, security remains the foundation of governance and requires continuous investment, collaboration, and engagement.
He stated that the donation underscores the Anambra State Government’s unwavering support for the Nigeria Police Force in its efforts to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and ensure public safety.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the command, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor and the state government for the gesture.
He described the patrol vehicles as critical assets for effective policing, rapid response, and crime prevention, noting that their deployment would significantly boost patrol coverage, deter criminal activities, and reinforce the state’s improving security outlook.
Speaking to journalists after the handover, CP Orutugu reiterated his appreciation and appealed for additional operational vehicles, citing the unique terrain and expansive nature of Anambra State.
While thanking the Governor for the donation, the Police Commissioner explained that Anambra’s diverse landscape and complex social dynamics require increased logistical support to sustain effective policing.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor’s gesture. However, like Oliver Twist, we will continue to ask for more. Given the vast landmass of Anambra State and its challenging security environment, additional operational vehicles will further enhance our effectiveness,” he said.
CP Orutugu noted that the patrol vehicles would be deployed strategically across communities to improve police visibility, reduce response time, and support proactive crime-fighting efforts.
He further explained that the command’s security strategy is anchored on community engagement and community policing, stressing that the vehicles would be deployed in local communities where police presence would be clearly seen and felt, thereby strengthening trust between the police and residents.
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