The Anambra State Police Command and the Agunechemba Security Squad have dismissed as false and misleading a social media voice note announcing that over 6,400 Fulani gunmen were said to have infiltrated the communities, insisting that the information “is not only false but unfounded” after preliminary Investigations.
However, the two security agencies noted that they are not leaving anything to chance, hence have directed officers and men, as well as the local vigilante groups in the communities, to commence twenty-four-hour surveillance at major hot spots in the rural areas.
In a statement issued to the media, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “Preliminary assessments indicate that these voice notes and social media messages lack verified credibility. However, the Command has adopted proactive measures to ensure that no security concern, whether real or fabricated, is left unattended.”
Ikenga said further: “The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has further directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Units, and Joint Security Teams to remain on heightened alert, boost intelligence gathering, and sustain aggressive patrol operations both day and night.”
“The Command subsequently urges residents of Anambra State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear.”
“Anambra people are assured that Police operatives remain firm, vigilant, and fully committed to their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property across the State.”
Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, has also ordered security measures similarly in order not to be caught napping in the unlikely event of attacks by miscreants.
Mr. Nweke Nweke, Media/Publicity Secretary for Agunechemba, conveyed Prince Emeakayi’s directive in a statement shared to reporters in Awka, highlighting the importance of collaboration between local security operatives and federal security agencies to identify criminal activities across Anambra State.
Emeakayi, a security expert, commented that the circulating voice notes and social media messages lacked reliable verification. He sued for caution regarding any rumour affecting public safety, reassuring the people of Anambra that there is no cause for alarm.
He warned those who spread unfounded threats from the safety of their homes, stating that his operatives would actively investigate the origin of these baseless social media security claims.
“The Agunechemba operatives have been tasked with working alongside federal security agencies to identify and dismantle crime hotspots, reassuring Ndi-Anambra that they can celebrate Yeiltitue without concerns,” Emeakayi added.
He encouraged Ndi-Anambra living abroad to return home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, assuring them that robust security measures are in place to guarantee safety during and after the festivities.
“We must prioritize the well-being of Ndi-Anambra during this significant time of year. I assure you that we are committed to combating insecurity in Anambra State, and we appreciate His Excellency for providing the necessary resources to support troubled youth. Furthermore, I want to stress that areas previously under criminal control have been reclaimed by our operatives, making it highly dangerous for wrongdoers to attempt harassment or kidnapping in Anambra State,” Emeakayi stated.
