By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies in the state has kicked off an intensive joint patrol throughout all nooks and crannies of the state in order to reclaim public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters.

The exercise came on the heels of a joint security management meeting in Awka with heads of other sister security agencies.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, said the meeting resolved to deal decisively with all acts of lawlessness, disruption of public peace and order and wanton violence which have resulted to indiscriminate looting, damage to property and loss of lives in some parts of the state.

While saying that no form of lawlessness would be condoned henceforth, he said that all legitimate means would be applied to halt further acts of lawlessness.

According to him, the measure is geared towards ensuring peace and safety in the affected areas.

The statement partly read: “In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu for the immediate mobilization of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protest and unleashed mayhem to the law abiding citizens.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. John B. Abang, thanked ‘Ndi Anambra’ especially youth, Community/Traditional leaders, President Generals and vigilante groups for the solidarity in defence of their communities and urges them not to relent until normalcy is restored.

“The CP further made a clarion call on the Public to report any suspicious persons or hoodlums to the nearest Police Station or call police emergency number 07039194332 for prompt response.”