By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its strategic engagement with stakeholders across the state, seeking to expand its intelligence-gathering network and strengthen proactive measures in the fight against crime and security threats.
The move formed part of the outcome of separate engagements between the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, and delegations of the Nigeria Legion and Nigeria Forest Security Services, who paid him courtesy visits at the Command’s Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who disclosed this in a statement, the engagements were aimed at strengthening the Command’s network of reliable sources and building stronger partnerships with groups whose activities and presence place them in strategic positions to observe developments within communities and other locations.
Ikenga said CP Nnanna, while receiving members of the Nigeria Legion, acknowledged the wealth of security experience accumulated by military veterans during their years of service to the country.
The Commissioner, according to the statement, noted that the veterans’ knowledge of security matters and their extensive connections within communities could be useful to the Police in identifying threats early, preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
He consequently encouraged the veterans to maintain regular communication with the Police and pass on relevant information that could assist security agencies in addressing security concerns.
During the separate meeting with members of the Nigeria Forest Security Services, the CP focused particularly on the importance of human intelligence in contemporary policing.
SP Ikenga quoted Nnanna as stressing that individuals and organisations operating regularly within forests, rural communities and other difficult-to-access areas could provide vital information about activities that might otherwise escape the attention of conventional security patrols.
The Commissioner said such information, when obtained early and properly channelled to the Police, could help security operatives understand developing situations, identify criminal networks and take preventive action before threats escalate.
He therefore urged both the Nigeria Legion and Forest Security Services to promptly relay credible and actionable information to the Police, while operating within the law.
CP Nnanna also assured the groups that the Command remained open to legitimate partnerships and continuous engagement with stakeholders, including communities, professional associations, veterans’ groups and other lawful security-support organisations.
The Commissioner said the Command would continue to broaden its intelligence base and strengthen its capacity for proactive policing through such partnerships.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra Police Command to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, saying every lawful opportunity for collaboration would be explored to prevent crime, disrupt criminal activities and protect lives and property in the state.
The visits also featured the exchange of pleasantries and presentation of plaques, among others.
More photos from the visits:
