The police command in Anambra has arrested 200 suspects for various crimes and secured 100 convictions over a seven-month period.

The police commissioner in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this in an interview in Awka.

“The command arrested 200 suspects for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, among others, between February and August this year,” he said. “The command also secured 100 convictions within the period under review.”

Mr Orutugu further said that the command recovered over 300 firearms, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, over 30 vehicles, and 20 explosives from criminals across the state.

He revealed that a major highlight was the re-arrest of a suspect in the high-profile kidnap and murder of Justice Azuka, the Labour Party lawmaker for Onitsha 1 Constituency.

According to him, the results reflect a new level of operational effectiveness and commitment to law enforcement.

The police commissioner described the development as a strong warning to criminals, stating that no perpetrator of violent crime would evade justice, no matter how long it took.

He said that the command also inaugurated ‘Operation Zero Kidnapping’ in collaboration with other security agencies to respond to cases of kidnapping for ransom, among others.

“The initiative has drastically reduced kidnapping incidents in the state, restoring confidence among residents and visitors,” he said.

Mr Orutugu said that during the period under review, the command employed an Alternative Dispute Resolution strategy to manage several communal disputes.

He said, “Including the mediation of the long-standing boundary crisis between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri.”

According to him, these efforts significantly helped to de-escalate tensions without resorting to violence.

“To deepen community engagement, the command also trained vigilance operatives across the state on lawful conduct, crime scene management, and intelligence gathering,” he said.

The police chief noted that the command ensured a hitch-free visit by President Bola Tinubu on May 9 and facilitated a peaceful by-election in the state on August 16.

According to him, the command is fully prepared for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8.

“We have done our homework with the Independent National Electoral Commission. We are just waiting for November 8,” he said.

Mr Orutugu assumed office as the 35th police commissioner on February 10.

(NAN)