Come Home This Christmas, Anambra Is Safe

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assured indigenes of the state — both at home and in the diaspora — that Anambra is safe and peaceful ahead of the forthcoming Christmas celebrations.

Speaking in Awka on Monday following what has been described as the most peaceful and successful governorship election in the state’s history, CP Orutugu urged residents and visitors to return en masse to celebrate the Yuletide with their families.

“Anambra is a safe place. Prepare and come home for Christmas,” he declared.

Orutugu, who assumed office nine months ago as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state, said deliberate and proactive policing strategies have significantly improved security across all local government areas.

He attributed the relative peace to visible policing, intelligence-led operations, and strong community partnerships.

“My policing policy is rooted in engagement, not aggression. I police not your actions, but your emotions — by counseling and appealing to your conscience,” he explained.

According to him, the command’s approach has been anchored on crime prevention, rapid response, and trust-building, particularly through collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders to ensure early intelligence sharing and mutual confidence.

He noted that intelligence-driven deployments have enabled the police to prevent and disrupt criminal activities, while a flashpoint security architecture has ensured safety across major towns, highways, and border communities.

On internal discipline, CP Orutugu reaffirmed his zero tolerance for misconduct, extortion, and abuse of power, stressing that professionalism and respect for human rights remain the cornerstone of policing in Anambra.

“Residents returning home for the festive season can expect visible patrols, rapid response readiness, and a policing system designed to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

The Commissioner added that Anambra’s recent record of peace, especially during the just-concluded governorship election, demonstrates that the state has become a model for community-oriented policing and security stability in the South-East.

“Through deliberate policing and grassroots engagement, we have maintained peace. Anambra is ready for the festive season. Come home,” Orutugu concluded.