By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Police Command in Anambra says it will conduct massive raids with other security agencies on identified criminal flashpoints, in the state during and after the Easter celebrations.

The exercise is aimed at dislodging criminals from the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu disclosed this on Monday in Awka, while inaugurating ?Operation Udogachi Zero kidnapping and other Violent Crimes,? in the state.

?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 agencies have been directed to conduct massive raids on identified criminal flashpoints and hot spots within their areas of responsibility.

?It will also assist the security agencies to stay ahead of criminal threats and reinforce public confidence as well as ensuring continued safety and security of all residents,? he said.

According to him, we will ensure that no one takes the glory alone in the efforts of sustaining safety and security by involving other security agencies in the state.

? The operation comprises the Police, the Army from 302 Artillery Regiment, the Navy from the Naval Outpost, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

?Others are the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Anambra Vigilante.

?Most importantly, the people of Anambra who have resolved to contribute in sharing information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and other criminals,? he said.

Orutugu urged residents of the state to report any suspicious activity or object to the Joint Security Information Room on the telephone numbers below.

Police: 07039194332, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency: 09136832679, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC): 08066769442 and the FRSC on 122.

He thanked the state government and good spirited individuals in their efforts in fixing operational vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

Similarly, Mr Kingsley Ezika, Senior Special Assistant to the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo on Security and Anti-cultism, commended the security agencies for collaborating with the government to further strengthen ?Operation Udogachi,? to stamp out kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

Ezika urged the security agencies to tackle cultism and all illegal gathering in the state to help tackle insecurity.

?When you fight cultism and illegal gathering, it will help us to activate the anti-cultism law of the state,? he said.

He enjoined the citizens to find a way of appreciating the security personnel in the state for staking their lives to secure lives and property.

Also, Mr. Lucas Ohazuruike, President, Anambra Restaurant and Bar Owners Association pledged the support of the association to enable the security agencies succeed.

According to him, we are going to give you our 100 per cent support to succeed.

?This is because many of these criminals converge in the hotels and restaurants to plan evil?.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recently, the state inaugurated ?Operation Udogachi? to flush out criminals from the state and secure lives and property. (NAN)

PHOTO: Ikioye Orutugu, CP Anambra and heads of other security agencies in the state during the inauguration on Monday in Awka (NAN Photo)

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