Anambra CP canvasses seizure of buildings used for crime, instead of demolition

By Ifeizu Joe

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu has canvassed for the seizure of buildings used for criminal activities and converting them to police bases or residences, instead of demolishing them.

The Commissioner stated this on Wednesday during a press briefing to update members of the public on recent groundbreaking breakthroughs by the command.

Orutugu among other breakthroughs mentioned the recent rescued of three kidnap suspect from Nkpor, including a medical doctor, which led to the burning down of a magnificent duplex where they were kept, which was owned by the kingpin, whose name was given as Fabulous.

Anambra operates 2025 Homeland Security Law, which empowers the state government to demolish any property used for or suspected to be proceeds of crime. Many such buildings have been pulled down previously, and the empty land taken over as government properties.

But CP Orutugu while addressing journalists said it was not the best thing to do, insisting that government should rather acquire such buildings and designate them as police posts or residences of police personnel.

He said: “In the case of the kidnappers of the Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Onitsha, the doctor was rescued alongside two other persons, but unfortunately one of our police operative paid the supreme price.

“We also restored peace in the area by stationing operatives there, when we heard that some indigenes mobilized to the home of the kidnapper and set it ablaze.

“We want to appeal to government to stop demolishing or destroying such buildings. They should rather designate them as police post or even residences of police operatives. Some of these operatives you see here are not living in very comfortable places, so they need such buildings.”

Meanwhile, Orutugu gave a rundown of the successes registered by the command. They include; arrest of kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers, child traffickers, sexual predators, separatist agitators and other criminal elements.

Another major breakthrough was a strategic clearance operation on 7th May 2026 in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area.

He said: Recall that the camp was earlier destroyed by a Joint Security Team. Before the confession, one Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, male, aged 37 years, allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionists group, is in custody as well as intelligence received overtime points on how some escaped gang members were attempting to regroup.

“The offensive operation led to the recovery of one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, 10 locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one locally made Beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, 10 rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box.

“The operatives also dislodged the armed criminals and sustained operational dominance in the area to prevent any regrouping,” he said.

The Commissioner stated that the command remains committed to sustaining ongoing operations against all forms of criminality and ensuring the safety and security of Anambra people.

“We urge residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information. The Command also appreciates the support of the Inspector- General of Police, the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, community leaders, and the good people of the State for their cooperation and partnership in the fight against crime.”