Nanna Oji Ama has assumed duty as the 36th  Commissioner of Police (CP)  in Anambra State. Ama assumed duty yesterday, succeeding his predecessor, Ikioye Orutugu who retired as the Assistant Inspector-General  of Police on attainment the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

On arrival at the State Police Command, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Council Area, the newly-deployed Commissioner was honoured with a grand ceremonial parade at the State headquarters.

In a media chat shortly on arrival, the new Commissioner of Police hinted that he had upon arrival, received comprehensive briefings on the security situation in the state.

CP Ama commended the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and, most importantly, the good people of Anambra State for their continued cooperation, support and partnership in the  collective efforts to maintain peace, security and public safety.

He, however, expressed deep sadness and concern of the Command over the tragic incident involving the discovery of four unconscious children, aged 6, 9, 12 and 15 years, in Ideani Community, regretting that, despite the strenuous efforts of medical personnel to save their lives, three of the children were certified dead while the fourth child is currently receiving intensive medical care and is courageously fighting for survival.

CP Ama announced that the State Police Command would bear the full medical expenses of the surviving child and should also closely monitor the child’s treatment and recovery to ensure that every necessary medical intervention is provided.

“Our immediate priority is to see the child recover out of respect for the sanctity of human life,” he said.

The new Commissioner assured the people of the State that the circumstances surrounding that incident would be conducted with the highest level of professionalism.

He further assured that the  Command should undertake a comprehensive review of the policing strategies and operational capabilities, adding that the Command would strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, improve operational efficiency, and deepen proactive crime prevention measures across the State.

Going further, he said: “We shall also reinforce community policing initiatives, strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies, organized vigilante groups and other critical stakeholders, and continue to build public confidence through effective partnership and engagement.

“Our objective is clear—to make Anambra State safer, more secure and more peaceful for every resident and visitor,” he noted.

He promised to remain an indispensable partner with the members of the Fourth Estate if the realm in the security architecture of our State.

“Your responsibility in informing the public, especially during periods of heightened security concern, cannot be overemphasized,” Ama said.

“I therefore urge you to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by ensuring that your reports are factual, balanced, responsible and guided at all times by the overriding interest of public safety and national security.

According to him, the “state is blessed with industrious, resilient and enterprising people whose immense potential can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, law and order. The Police Command under my leadership is fully committed to creating and sustaining that enabling environment.”

He assured the people of the state that we should “perform our constitutional responsibilities with integrity, fairness, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

“We shall remain resolute in protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining public order throughout the State,” Ama said.

He sincerely thanked the  Inspector-general of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu for the confidence reposed in him and  and for finding him worthy to serve as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command.

The new CP also  hailed the Government of the State under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, as well as for the various policies and legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety and addressing the root causes of crime.

He urged  every resident of Anambra State to remain law-abiding, vigilant and security-conscious. Continue to support the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will assist us in preventing and combating crime.

“I also appeal to members of the public not to hesitate to report suspicious persons, activities or incidents to the nearest Police Station or through our designated emergency channels,” he said.

As part of his initial engagements aimed at strengthening security coordination and inter-agency collaboration, CP Ama  paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Council Area of the State, AIG Miller Dantawaye,   whom he formally notified of his assumption of duty.

The visit was aimed at strengthening strategic coordination, operational synergy and inter-command collaboration under the direct supervision of Zone 13 Police Headquarters, particularly in sustaining and further enhancing the prevailing security architecture in Anambra State.

The new CP equally visited the Department of State Services (DSS), Anambra State Command, where he held discussions with the leadership of the Service on the need for strengthened intelligence sharing, joint operations and sustained inter-agency cooperation in tackling crime, terrorism, criminality and other emerging security threats across the State.

Similarly, CP Ama paid a courtesy visit to the Traditional Ruler of Awka, His Royal Majesty, Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) at his Awka Palace.

The Commissioner engaged the traditional institution on the importance of community partnership, intelligence-driven policing and collective efforts towards maintaining peace, security and public order in Awka and across Anambra State.

He stressed his administration will prioritise intelligence-led policing, preventive policing, community engagement, inter-agency cooperation and rapid response to security threats, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of citizens are respected in the discharge of police duties.

The new CP also  called for the continued support and cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents of the State, stressing that the success of policing depends largely on the active partnership and cooperation of the people.

He assured the people of the State  that the Command, under his leadership, remains resolute in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

The CP was accompanied on the visits by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel; Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Mantu Chong,  Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Nnamdi Anabike; Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Celestine Umeh; and Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Usen Omorodion and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ikenga Tochukwu, Anambra State.