The war against criminals in Anambra State has entered a whole new phase of intense crack-down with the formal launching of “Operation Kpochapu” (Wipe Out) with the donation of 25 new patrol vehicles to the members of the Joint Task Force on Security in the state.

Presenting the vehicles to the representatives of the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the State Security Service at his Aguleri country home in Anambra East Local Government Area yesterday, Governor Willie Obiano reiterated the resolve of his administration to crush out criminal elements from the state.

“We are presenting these vehicles today to launch Operation Kpochapu! You know what Kpochapu means. We are warning criminals of all types; armed robbers, kidnappers, drug dealers etc to move out of Anambra State. If they don’t, we are coming to sweep them out. We shall spare no effort until they are all wiped out,” he said.

According to Chief Obiano, the vehicles were the first set of 400 security vehicles his administration would provide to the security agencies to empower them properly in order to sustain the tempo of the fight against criminals in the state.

The governor explained that 15 of the vehicles were for the state command of the Nigeria Police, three for the Nigeria Army, two for the State Security Service and one each for the Nigeria Navy and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Governor Obiano also assured that his administration would buy a new gun-boat for the Nigerian Navy and repair all the grounded vehicles belonging to the Navy, the Marine Police and NDLEA to enable them effectively secure the water-ways of the state.

He stated that the vehicles would be used in strategic locations for quick response to distress calls and daily patrol of all parts of the state.

Governor Obiano also restated his commitment to sustain the onslaught against criminals until every hoodlum was routed out of the state.

Responding on behalf of other Service Chiefs, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usman Gwary, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise, commending his zeal and determination to effectively protect lives and properties in the state.

Mr. Gwary assured that the vehicles would be used solely to achieve the purpose for which they were provided and recalled that the state did not record any crime throughout the Easter celebration.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano cutting the tape before formally handing over the vehicles to signal the launch of ‘Operation Kpochapu’.

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