By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration, the Anambra State Police Command has initiated a strategic community engagement campaign aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The campaign, which took the form of a “Walk for Safety,” was flagged off on Thursday, June 12, 2025, and witnessed active participation of security operatives and community stakeholders under the platform of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
The awareness walk, which held in major parts of Nnewi and its environs — including the Area Command, Nkwo Triangle, Nwafor Orizu Roundabout, First Bank Junction, and Nnobi Junction — was aimed at raising consciousness about the growing threat of violent crimes, encouraging citizen participation in crime prevention, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
According to a statement issued by the Command through its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the initiative underscores the importance of partnership and trust-building between the police and the communities in the ongoing effort to secure lives and property in the state.
The Command emphasized that the Walk for Safety was part of its proactive and people-oriented approach to security and crime prevention, especially in line with the vision of leveraging community support and collaboration to tackle security challenges.
“The Walk initiative promotes peace, combats violent crimes in the state, and raises awareness about the impacts of these crimes on individuals and society at large,” the statement partly read.
SP Ikenga further revealed that the Police Command would continue to rely on platforms such as the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to strengthen community policing, foster grassroots intelligence sharing, and promote mutual trust.
“This initiative can help to build trust, encourage community engagement, and thereby contribute to a safer environment in the State,” the statement added.
The Command also appreciated the cooperation of residents and stakeholders who joined the campaign walk, even as it reiterated its commitment to deepening police-community synergy for a more secure and livable Anambra.
Reports have it that the event also served as a symbolic message that safety and security are shared responsibilities and that an effective partnership between the police and the public remains the most sustainable solution to crime prevention.
Under CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Anambra State Police Command has continued to explore and expand the arms of collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the fight against crime, the results of which are evident in the victories so far recorded in the fight, and the significant peace now being enjoyed across the state.
