By Peter Omopo
Anambra State – The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents, visitors, and business owners to remain vigilant as the state enters the peak of the festive “ember months” period, traditionally characterised by heightened commercial activities and increased security risks.
The advisory was issued on Wednesday through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the ember months—spanning September to December—typically witness a surge in economic and social activities, large movements of people and goods, and unfortunately, a rise in opportunistic criminal incidents.
“As the year gradually comes to an end and activities across Anambra State increase during the ember months, the Command wishes to issue this important security advisory,” the statement noted.
CP Orutugu assured residents that the Police Command has intensified efforts to maintain peace and safety throughout the season. He revealed that officers have increased visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids on known criminal hideouts. Joint security teams have also been deployed to markets, worship centres, major transit points, and other public areas.
While reassuring the public of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Orutugu encouraged citizens to take personal responsibility for their safety. He cautioned residents against unnecessary late-night movements and urged them to properly secure their homes, shops, and business premises. He also called for prompt reporting of suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police division.
Communities were advised to strengthen their local vigilance groups in collaboration with the police. Motorists were warned against reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and disregard for traffic regulations. Vehicle owners were encouraged to service their cars and avoid night travel unless absolutely necessary.
The police further warned residents to be alert to rising cases of online fraud, fake job offers, fraudulent investment schemes, and identity theft, which tend to escalate during the festive period. “Verify before you trust, as security is a shared responsibility,” the CP emphasised.
Orutugu reiterated that the command would not tolerate any form of criminal activity during the yuletide season. He urged anyone planning to take advantage of the festivities to commit crime to rethink, warning that offenders will face the full wrath of the law.
The Commissioner also pledged continued attention to complaints against police personnel and encouraged residents to share credible security information. For emergencies or reports, the Command provided the following contact numbers:
- Control Room: 07039194332
- CP Monitoring Unit: 08035893571
- X-Squad: 07053614331
- Anti-Fraud/Intelligence Officer: 08064018319
- PPRO: 08039334002
This advisory follows an earlier call by the Command in June, urging residents to help expose criminals and collaborate with security agencies to maintain public safety. At the time, Ikenga highlighted that joint security forces had already intensified surveillance and patrols across the state.
Residents were again reminded to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and promptly report any breach of peace for swift response.
