•••As Operatives Kill Two Kidnappers In Anambra
By John Ugo and Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Anambra’ State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye has read the riot act to criminals terrorizing residents of the state to turn in a new leaf or be ready to face tough times.
He also warned officers and men of the command against corrupt practices harrassment, and intimidation of residents and people of the state while discharging their duties.
Adeoye who stated this during his maiden press conference in Awka the state capital warned that the command does not believe in the erroneous tradition of asking criminals and their collaborators to relocate to other states or areas because the command has the capacity to deal with them.
The CP also disclosed that operatives of the command gunned down two kidnappers after the hoodlums engaged policemen on checkpoint in hot exchange of fun fire along Uga-Ezinifie road on Tuesday
The latest action of men the command came barely four days after Adeoye resumed duty in office as the new Police Commissioner.
The operatives also recovered one vehicle, heavy Calibre arms and ammunition during the gun battle with the hoodlums
Speaking while parading the neutralized suspects and arms, Adeoye said that there shall be zero tolerance for violent crimes, harassment and corruption by officers of the command under his watch.
He disclosed the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of B division of the command over bitter complaints by some residents who were arrested by policemen attached to the division and were asked to part with N20,000 before they were allowed to go home.
Adeoye said the incident is under investigation with a view to unraveling the facts in the matter.
According to him, “On 11/7/2023 by 8:30 pm, the joint security Operatives attached to Forwarding Operating Base, while on patrol duty around Uga-Ezinifite Expressway attempted to stop two vehicles that drove suspiciously, an ash highlander jeep and a white Lexus 305”
“The occupants started shooting sporadically to escape police screening; the joint forces engaged the armed hoodlums, neutralize two of the gang members and recover one of the operational vehicles, two automatic pump action guns, eleven live cartridges, and a bag containing one walkie-talkie, one cell phone incriminating items, while others escape the scene with other vehicles”
“Meanwhile, in an intense chase by the joint forces, the deadly gang abandon the white Lexus 305 jeep and took to their heels”
“Further Information shows evidence of blood stains on all the vehicles as they escaped with bullet wounds”
“The command wants to use this opportunity to call on operators of public and private hospitals to admit but report anyone with a bullet wound or related injuries to the nearest Police Station.
“In a related development in the late hours of yesterday 11/7/2023 by 8:13 pm, Police collaborating with Anambra State Vigilantes at Ichida bus stop
along the IchidaIgboukwu expressway, rescued a kidnap victim, neutralized
two members of the notorious gang, recovered One Ak47 rifle, two pump action guns, two (2) Ak47 magazines, i live ammunition, and one highlander jeep belonging to the victim”
“Preliminary information reveals the deadly gang of Eight, operating with two vehicles – a Grey Highlander jeep and a white Lexus 350, abducted the victim in her Ash Highlander jeep”
“The investigation Is on to track the remaining gang members”he said.
Adeoye further noted that the operation is in line with the mandate given to the police by the Inspector General of Police to protect life and property and introduce a new strategy while improving existing ones.
On the Sit At Home order in the area Adeoye said nobody would be allowed to force people to stay at home on Mondays.
“The issue of sit at home is one that is complex because we cannot force people to come out because it would be an infringement on their fundamental human rights”
“All that we can do is to ensure safety of lives and property and to allow people go about their lawful activities without any form of harassment or molestation.
“Because of this kind of passion about Biafra some people who don’t want to go to work five times in a week would chose to make Monday another holiday.
“But we shall not allow persons or group of persons to force people to stay at home when they don’t want to and that is where we come in ” he added.