Anambra: NSCDC, Other Security Agencies Launch Operation ‘Udo Ga Chi’ to Curb Kidnapping, Violent Crimes
The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday, in partnership with other security agencies launched Operation ‘Udo Ga-achi’ (peace will prevail) in a strategic move to eradicate kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
Other agencies involved are Police, Army, Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
Superintendent of Corps, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the Head, Media and Tactical Operations of the Command made this known in a statement.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Maku Olatunde while performing the flag-off at Amawbia Junction, Awka, alongside other service commanders in the state said that the joint effort underscores the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors to the state before, during and after the Easter Celebration.
Olatunde explained that the operation in collaboration with other sister security agencies will leverage the combined expertise and resources of participating agencies to tackle insurgency, kidnapping and neutralise the threat posed by hoodlums.
He mentioned that there were recent reports of isolated incidents of security gaps which have raised significant concern among residents and security agencies necessitating the roll out of the operations in and around the state to smoke out criminal elements.
The Commandant assured members of the public that the Corps would continue to partner with other stakeholders to ensure the optimum safety and security of all residents, including protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure.
He warned the ‘hooligans, misfits, agitators, troublemongers, and vandals’ to stay away from the state or face retribution.
He also enjoined citizens to be law abiding and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in the state.
Speaking on the development, Anambra Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu stated that the police as the lead agency in internal security emplaced ‘Operation Udo ga chi Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes’ in the state.
This, he said, follows a review and evaluation of policing capabilities to nip in the bud serious crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within the Easter period and beyond.
Orutugu explained that the operation is a proactive template to assuage the fear of the unknown to effectively police the state by encouraging the great people of Anambra to come home en-masse for the festive period.
He continued: “Let us reiterate that no one can take the glory alone in the efforts of sustaining safety and security in the State, as the Operation comprises the Police, the Army from 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), the Navy from the Naval Outpost, Department of State Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Vigilante and most importantly Ndi Anambra and its teeming populace who have resolved to work with the security agencies in sharing information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and other criminals.
“The security forces are now more motivated, as the operation will give them a more coordinated approach to reclaiming the public space. It will also serve as a daily brief to always restrategise as the operation unfolds. Furthermore, various Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) as well as other Security Formations/Security agencies have been directed to conduct massive raids on identified criminal flashpoints and hot spots within their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).”
The Police Commissioner noted that the strategic move is aimed at dislodging criminal elements – and will also assist the security agencies to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence as well as ensuring the continued safety and security of all residents.
He stressed that the operation is intelligence-driven with stop-and-search operations, joint security targeted patrols, and operatives posted to identify locations with Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) on alert to respond to any untoward situations.
Orutugu highlighted the joint security information room for the residents to report any suspicious activity, including Police (07039194332), NDLEA (09136832679), NSCDC (08066769442), FRSC (122) and Vigilantes (511 and 122).
He noted that others will be provided as the operations commence and sought the cooperation of the residents, emphasising that operatives have been fully briefed to be civil to members of the public.
“Lastly, We want to thank the State Government and good-spirited Ndi Anambra for their goodwill in fixing some of our Operational vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers. Together, we can make Anambra State a safer and livable homeland for everyone,” he added.
