Odita Sunday 
Renewed Public Trust, Improved Security Drive Massive Ember-Month Homecoming In Anambra
A renewed sense of safety and growing public trust in law enforcement propelled a significant influx of returnees into Anambra State during the 2025 ember months, reflecting the impact of intelligence-led policing, strategic security deployment, and strengthened community engagement across the State.
As part of activities marking the Command’s 2025 security and community-engagement milestones, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, received retired senior police officers of Anambra origin and other distinguished officers on separate courtesy visits to the Command Headquarters in Awka.
The retired officers commended the Anambra State Police Command for the visible improvement in security and the heightened public confidence, particularly during the traditionally sensitive ember-month period characterised by increased travel, festivities, and social activities.
In a statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer,
Anambra State Police Command, on
23 January, 2026, he described the massive homecoming of Anambra indigenes as a clear indication that residents and visitors now feel safer moving freely across the State.
According to them, sustained police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, and proactive community engagement have significantly reduced crime and fear, reinforcing public trust in the security architecture of the State.
In his response, CP Orutugu expressed appreciation for the visits and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining peace, maintaining law and order, and protecting lives and property.
He described the large-scale ember-month return of Anambra indigenes as a strong vote of confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working collaboratively in the State.
The Commissioner paid glowing tribute to the retired senior officers for their years of meritorious service, professionalism, and sacrifice, describing them as foundational pillars whose dedication laid the groundwork for contemporary policing standards in Nigeria.
He noted that their legacy continues to inspire serving officers in the discharge of their duties.
Among the very senior retired officers who paid courtesy visits were Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Felix Osita Uyanna, mni (Rtd), former AIG in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Usman A. Gwari, fdc (Rtd), who served in various strategic commands including AIG Zone 9, Umuahia, and Commissioner of Police, Anambra State; and Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd), former Force Public Relations Officer, alongside other distinguished retired senior officers.
The visits concluded on a cordial note, with renewed calls for mentorship, cooperation, and sustained support for the Nigeria Police Force as it continues efforts to consolidate security gains, deepen community trust, and enhance public safety across Anambra State.
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