The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Chris Okey Ezike, disclosed in a briefing with news men stated that this was part of the security arrangements put in place for the festive period. He said that the police had identified pressure points and injected tactical force to enhance visibility and also to strengthen its crime prevention strategy.
The police boss said that the tactical intelligence unit of the command had been reinvigorated to take care of isolated kidnap cases.
He explained that with a population of over 5 million people, growing commercial activities and proximity to neighbouring states such as Rivers, Abia and Anambra, fighting crime in Imo has become difficult. But, he assured the public that the police is now, more than ever, determined to make the state a safe haven.
“Our whistle blowing policy and regular interaction with members of the public to protect lives and property will continue as the result has been quite impressive”.
Ezike also said the cancellation of annual and casual leaves for all police men in the state during this festive period, is to ensure that police in the state perform maximally throughout the celebration period.
He called on all to cooperate with the police on stop and search duty, on robust patrol and raid on criminal hideouts. He also pleaded with motorists and other road users to cooperate with the police at check points. “He advised them to call the Police when there is infraction.
In addition, Ezike pleaded with politicians and wealthy citizens who besiege the police with requests for personal police orderlies to exercise patience, lamenting that the command is currently battling with inadequate number of personnel.
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