Awka – The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Monday Bala Kuryas has said the State Police Command under his watch, will sustain the onslaught against criminals in the state.
CP Kuryas disclosed this today in his maiden interaction with journalists in the state, at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka.
Kuryas, who has since resumed duties as Anambra Commissioner of Police, is a native of Kurya Dadu in Jaba LGA of Kaduna State, and was DC, DOPS, Ondo State Command before his latest appointment.
Addressing journalists today, the new CP said the Command will double its efforts towards crime prevention and successful apprehension of criminals who may want to test the command’s resolve.
“In keeping with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, to make Nigeria safer and more secure for economic development and growth, the Command under my watch shall take drastic measures against crime.
“We shall reinvigorate the Operation Puff Adder II and give it more bite to tackle cultism, robbery, kidnapping and illegal revenue collections in Onitsha, Nkpor, Obosi, Oba, Enugwu-Agidi, Nnobi/Alor road and Nnewi. My advice to cultists, robbers, kidnappers and other hoodlums in Anambra is for them to have a rethink and purge themselves or leave the state,” he said.
The new Anambra Police boss also warned purveyors of fake news capable of causing widespread disaffection, chaos, violence and disruption of public peace, to desist from such or be ready to face the full wrath of the law whenever they are apprehended.
He observed that in spite of its renewed resolve to fight violent crimes, the command will explore the availing of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategies and community policing principles, where applicable and germain, to specific problems.
CP Kuryas however, urged personnel of the command to shun corrupt practices and indiscipline in the discharge of their duties.
“I am not unmindful of other challenges bordering on professional misconduct on the part of our officers and men such as extortion, unlawful detention and incivility to the members of the public. The command will sustain the existing interagency collaboration and improve on our respect for the Rule of Law and Fundamental Human Rights of citizens, in accordance with international best practices,” the CP promised.
Kuryas further sought the support and collaboration of citizens especially the media, in ensuring that the Police realize its mandate of keeping the state secure.
In his words; “It is pertinent to emphasize that the safety and security of lives and property in the state will not be possible without the cooperation of everyone. I want to specifically solicit the support and understanding of members of the fourth estate of the realm, in the resolve of the State Police Command towards making Anambra safer for all and sundry. I want encourage members of the public to always volunteer information that would enable the police intervene promptly.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Emma Ifesinachi commending the new CP for deeming it proper to meet with the media in the early days of his administration, saying that it speaks volume of the premium he places on media practitioners.
Comrade Emma expressed the willingness of journalists in the state to partner the Police in the fight against crime, urging the new CP to endeavour to sustain the laudable standards set by his predecessors in the security of lives and property in the state.
