The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered tighter monitoring of police checkpoints, patrol teams and other operational activities across the state in a renewed effort to eliminate extortion, harassment and other forms of misconduct by police personnel.
The directive, announced by the Anambra State Police Command on Sunday, followed concerns and feedback obtained during the recent Anambra Security Stakeholders’ Interactive Sessions held across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the Command’s operational control rooms and give senior officers closer oversight of personnel deployed to checkpoints, patrol formations and other strategic locations.
According to the Command, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders will now be required to account for the activities of personnel under their supervision.
The Command’s Operational Control Rooms will also play a central role in receiving and monitoring reports of misconduct, particularly allegations of extortion, harassment and other forms of unprofessional behaviour by police officers.
The police authorities said complaints received through the monitoring system would be promptly escalated for necessary action.
The Commissioner, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents, warned officers against abusing the powers entrusted to them by the Nigeria Police Force.
Oji Ama stressed that no police officer would be permitted to exploit members of the public while performing official duties.
He consequently directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders to ensure strict compliance with the new operational monitoring arrangement.
The CP also warned that personnel found culpable of extortion or other forms of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law and established police regulations.
The Command’s latest move comes amid continuing efforts by police authorities to improve public confidence in policing and strengthen relations between security personnel and communities.
The police urged residents of Anambra and other members of the public to support the initiative by promptly reporting incidents involving extortion, harassment or unprofessional conduct by police personnel.
The Command provided three channels through which members of the public can lodge complaints or report incidents.
The Operational Control Room can be reached on 07039194332, while the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, can be contacted on 08039334002.
The dedicated WhatsApp line of the Commissioner of Police is 09169531886.
The Command assured members of the public that credible complaints would be given prompt attention and that appropriate action would be taken where allegations are established.
The police said the initiative formed part of the Command’s broader commitment to professional, people-oriented and accountable policing in the state.
The Command appealed to residents to cooperate with police personnel carrying out legitimate security operations, while encouraging them to speak up against abuses that undermine public trust in the force.
The police authorities maintained that effective monitoring of checkpoints and patrol teams would help ensure that personnel deployed to protect the public remained accountable for their conduct.
