By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As part of the push and strategies towards enhancing security lives and property in Anambra State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has received the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Irene Amuzie, alongside the State Head of Federal Establishments, Mr. Chijioke Okechukwu, in his office at the State Police Command Headquarters, Awka.
The high-level meeting, held on Monday, 23rd June 2025, was centered on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and developing a robust strategy to address the rising security concerns in and around Oko, particularly those affecting students and staff of the Polytechnic and other Federal Government facilities in the State.
While welcoming the guests, CP Orutugu acknowledged the increasing need for synergy between security operatives and heads of government institutions. He emphasized that maintaining law and order within the vicinity of federal establishments required collective vigilance, timely intelligence sharing, and strategic deployment of resources.
The CP particularly referenced the recent tragic incident of June 19, where armed hoodlums— reportedly operating with a motorcycle and an unregistered black Lexus 350 SUV — unleashed terror at Oko’s Total Junction, wounding four persons and abducting two others at Tipper Junction. He lamented the loss of lives and trauma inflicted on the community, stressing that proactive partnerships such as the one being initiated are key to preventing future occurrences.
He called for greater cooperation from the Polytechnic’s management and the leadership of other federal institutions, noting that mutual trust, constant communication, and real-time intelligence are crucial tools in security operations. He assured that the Command would continue to live up to its responsibilities, but also urged stakeholders to play their part by supporting security agencies and refraining from shielding criminal elements.
In their separate remarks, both Dr. Amuzie and Mr. Okechukwu expressed gratitude to the Commissioner and his team for their prompt intervention and show of professionalism during the recent attack. They noted that the swift response of the Police and other security agencies helped to prevent what could have become an even more devastating situation. They pledged the support of their institutions in enhancing surveillance within and around their facilities and assured of their willingness to provide useful intelligence to security operatives to aid investigations and forestall further attacks.
Also present at the meeting were top senior officers of the Anambra State Police Command, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department, the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the State Intelligence Department, among others.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a gift to the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko by the Commissioner of Police, in a gesture that further underlined the spirit of partnership, mutual respect, and commitment to peace and security in the state.
