The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr Aderemi Adeoye disclosed this while speaking with newsmen during a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Awka, Anambra State.
Adeoye, who resumed as the state’s new CP, four days ago, warned that the command does not believe in asking criminals and their collaborators to relocate to other states or areas because the command can deal with troublemakers.
While parading the neutralised suspects during a press conference at the command’s headquarters in Awka, on Wednesday, Adeoye stressed that under his watch, there shall be zero tolerance for violent crimes in the area.
He said, “On 11/7/2023 by 8:30 pm the joint security operatives attached to Forwarding Operating Base, while on patrol around Uga-Ezinifite Expressway, in an attempt to stop two vehicles that drove suspiciously, an ash highlander jeep and a white Lexus 305.
“The occupants started shooting sporadically to escape police screening, the joint forces engaged the armed hoodlums, neutralised two of the gang members, and recovered one of the operational vehicles, two automatic pump action guns, 11 live cartridges, and a bag containing one walkie-talkie, one cell phone incriminating items, while others escape the scene with other vehicles.
“Further Information showed evidence of blood stains on all the vehicles as they have escaped with bullet wounds.
“The command wants to use this opportunity to call on operators of public and private hospitals to admit, but report anyone with a bullet wound or related injuries to the nearest police station.”
Adeoye further noted that the operations were in line with the mandate given to the command by the Inspector General of Police to protect life and property and they had introduced a new strategy and improved on the existing ones.
The CP also added that “In a related development in the late hours of Tuesday 11/7/2023, by 8:13 pm, Police collaborating with Anambra State Vigilantes at Ichida Bus Stop, along the IchidaIgboukwu Expressway, rescued a kidnap victim neutralised. two members of the notorious gang, recovered One Ak47 rifle, two pump action guns, two (2) Ak47 magazines, 32 live ammunition, and one Highlander jeep belonging to the victim.
“Preliminary information reveals the deadly gang of Eight operating with two vehicles a Grey Highlander jeep and a white Lexus 350, abducted the victim in her Ash Highlander jeep. The investigation is to track the remaining gang members.”
On the sit-at-home order in the state, Adeoye said, “The issue of sit-at-home is one that is complex because we cannot force people to come out because it would be an infringement on their fundamental human rights.
“All that we can do is to ensure the safety of lives and property and to allow people to go about their lawful activities without any form of harassment or molestation”
“Because it has this kind of passion about Biafra some people who don’t want to go to work five times in a week would choose to make Monday another holiday”
“But we shall not allow persons or groups of persons to force people to stay at home when they don’t want to and that is where we will come in.”
