The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has reiterated his government’s resolve to fight crime and criminality to a standstill in the state.

He spoke Thursday through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, during the launching of Operation Puff Adder in Okpoko Divisional Office, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor insisted that there were no sacred cows even as he warned criminal elements to stay away from the state or face doom.

Obiano called on the state Commissioner of Police to order his men never to release any suspect without proper investigations regardless of pressure from high profile citizens.

The governor who recalled his administration’s declaration of war on crime from the first day he assumed office to ensure people of the state slept with their two eyes closed regretted what he described as ‘recycling of criminals’.

He said, “Before my administration, Anambra State was running a six-hour economy but now, with our successes in security, our state now runs a 24-hour economy.

Our people now come back home to the state to settle and participate in social activities without spending so much in security.”

Obiano urged security agencies in the state to work in synergy even as he commended the Inpector General of Police for the initiative.

Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, said that Operation Puff Adder is in compliance with the directives of Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu to replicate same in various commands.

He explained that the significance of launching the operation in the commercial city of Onitsha is based on the command’s resolution to make the city safe for residents and visitors, but above all, for the business activities the city is known for.

Dandaura described Operation Puff Adder as the intensification of police operations in and around the state with the sole objective of smoking out and getting rid of miscreants and criminals wherever they may be hiding. He assured that the operation will consolidate the command’s achievements in recent times.

His words: “With Operation Puff Adder, law-abiding citizens and residents have a lot to gain. All I request from members of the public is to be law abiding; and cooperate not only with the police but with all law enforcement agencies who are working assiduously to ensuring the security and peace of the society.

“We shall extend this operation to the nook and crannies of Anambra State so all Ndi Anambra can sleep comfortably and engage in their lawful activities in a secure atmosphere.

“Without mincing words, the Anambra State Police Command is poised to continue to make the State the safest State in Nigeria with innovative strategies and greater dedication to duty.”

While appreciating Governor Obiano “for his invaluable support and encouragement” to the command, the CP noted that security is not just police business alone but everyone’s responsibility.

He insisted that every, individual including organisations, traditional rulers, President Generals, chairmen of communities and other sister security outfits, are critical stakeholders in the security of the state, urging them to sustain the extant synergy, police efforts and strategies for implementing Operation Puff Adder.

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