A detachment of the Anambra State Joint Task Force popularly called ‘Operation Kpochapu’ has swooped on suspected criminals in the Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha and environs, arrested 28 drivers and seizing their vehicles for illegal activities along major roads in the area. The operation which took place on Tuesday followed the mandate of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for sanity to be restored in the area. There has been consistent outcry by members of the public, appealing to Governor Obiano to check the activities of miscreants who have made it a habit to terrorise innocent citizens in the Upper Iweka axis of the famed commercial town.

Tuesday’s mop-up exercise was led by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Karma, in a move to further increase the tempo of the ongoing operations to clear crime and criminality from Anambra State.

The CP disclosed that drivers of the impounded vehicles would be prosecuted and that similar operation was going on in other parts of the state, including the industrial hub, Nnewi.

He made it clear that nobody should load passengers outside designated motor parks or drop passengers indiscriminately, vowing to deal ruthlessly with defaulters.

According to Mr. Karma, “this operation would be a continuous exercise and would include curbing illegal parking and loading of passengers, pick-pocketing, dismantling criminals’ hideouts and ensuring that nobody hangs around the area with arms to snatch people’s property.”

The CP noted that Anambra State Government has expended huge resources in empowering the security agencies adequately and effectively protect lives and property, and urged Ndi Anambra to support the efforts to maintain stable and peaceful atmosphere for the coming Christmas celebrations.

•Photo shows Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hassan Karma, leading a detachment of Operation Kpochapu to clear the traffic and ensure that miscreants do not return to Upper Iweka, Onitsha.