Anambra State Police Command on Thursday, launched Operation Puff Adder in Okpoko Divisional Office in Ogbaru council Area of the State.
In his address during the launching, the state Commissioner of Police Mr. Mustapha Dandaura stated that the operation was in compliance with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to replicate the launch done at the Abuja Police Headquarters earlier in February 2019 at the various divisions and commands across the country.
He said that Operation Puff Adder was an intensification of operations in and around the state to smoke out criminals in the state.
Dandaura said that launching the operation in Okpoko division was significant given the intense economic activities and dense population of the area which makes the area susceptible to high criminal activities.
“Operation Puff Adder is simply the intensification of police operations in and around the state with the sole objective of smoking out and getting rid of miscreants and criminals wherever they may be hiding.
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“It will consolidate our achievements in recent times. With Operation Puff Adder, law-abiding citizens and residents have a lot to gain.”
He appreciated the state governor Chief Willie Obiano for supporting the police in her operations and sister agencies for synergizing with the police.
He then enjoined members of the public to be law abiding and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the state.
“All I request from the member of the public is to be law-abiding, and cooperate not only with the police but with all law enforcement agencies who are working assiduously to ensuring the security and peace of the society.”
On his part, the state governor represented by the secretary to the state government SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu appreciated the Inspector General of Police for the initiative. He recalled that his administration declared war on crime from the first day he assumed office in order to ensure that Anambra people sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Before my administration, Anambra State was running a six-hour economy but now, with our successes in security, our state now runs a 24-hour economy. Our people now come back home to the state to settle and participate in social activities without spending so much insecurity,” he said.
Obiano encouraged the various security agencies to continue working in synergy.
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He reiterated his warning to criminal elements to stay away from the state or face retribution. He also maintained that there are no sacred cows while calling on the CP to order his men never to release any suspect without proper investigations regardless of pressure from high profile citizens.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee, Government House, Awka, Retired Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba commended the Inspector General of Police.
In his words, “The current IGP has taken security to the next level and Nigerians need to support his efforts to make the country safe.
“We know that security state in the country is worrisome but it is a global issue. We will not be overwhelmed.”
The vigilante chairman said that the vigilante security structure is number one in the country and assured the police of their continued cooperation.
He also called on communities to augment the welfare provisions made by the government in order to help them in carrying out their activities.
Victor Nwawuzie, the President General of Ogbaru main market commended the police for their work in ensuring they carry out their business without fear of harassment.
He thanked the police for launching the operation enthusing that crime would soon be a thing of the past.
and then