As Anambra State gubernatorial election has been concluded with success, the state Commissioner of Police( CP) Ikioye Orutugu, has called on indigenes, both home and in the Diaspora, to look forward for a peaceful and safe Christmas and New year festive season.

CP Orutugu,who assured of peaceful festive season, said,”Anambra is safe.Wherever you are, come back for Christmas celebration. “

Orutugu,who took over the helm of the Anambra State Command nine months ago as the 35th commissioner of police, assured that deliberate and proactive policing measures have made the state secured for all.

“Anambra is safe. Prepare and come home for Christmas,” CP Orutugu said, emphasising that the state has maintained peace through visible policing and strong community engagement.

Known for his community-driven and intelligence-led approach, CP Orutugu has implemented a strategy that prioritises crime prevention, rapid response, and trust-building with the public.

“I have the policy of policing without guns. I police not your actions, but your emotions by counselling, appealing to your conscience,” he explained.

Harping on the importance of community partnership and building trust, he said he first strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders to ensure early intelligence sharing and foster public confidence in the police.

He also noted that in carrying out intelligence-led operations, the command has been using actionable information to prevent and disrupt criminal activities in the state, which has ensured all local governments have been relatively safe.

Acknowledging the successes of his flashpoint deployment strategy, he said everyone would be assured of safety as the security architecture has covered all flashpoints and border communities.

When asked about accountability measures to check against misconducts,he said he has always emphasised zero tolerance for misconduct, extortion, or abuse of power, insisting that professionalism and respect for human rights remain central to policing in the state.

He said: “Residents and indigenes returning home for the festive season can expect a visible security presence, rapid response readiness, and a policing system designed to safeguard lives and property.

“With the combination of community engagement and strategic deployments, Anambra has emerged as a model for peace and security in the region.”

“Through deliberate policing and grassroots engagement, we have maintained peace. Anambra is ready for the festive season. Come home.”

He expressed profound appreciation to security stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents of the state for their immense support to the police in ensuring peace and harmony during the just-concluded election period.?

?The CP lauded the collective effort of the people in maintaining law and order before, during, and after the polls.

?He noted that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed across the state was a testament to the synergy between the police, sister security agencies, and community stakeholders.?

? “The Anambra people have once again shown that peace is achievable when citizens and security agencies work together. I commend our officers and all partners who made it possible,” the CP said.

?CP Orutugu further thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other critical players for their cooperation throughout the exercise, noting that their discipline and patriotism contributed to the success recorded.

?He assured residents of the Command’s continuous commitment to sustaining the prevailing peace and tackling any form of criminal activity across the state.

? “Our doors remain open to collaboration with communities. We will continue to prioritize intelligence-led policing and strengthen our relationship with the people,” he added.?

?The police chief also urged citizens to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers. (The Sun)