IGP’s South-East security tour reaches Anambra, focuses on intelligence-led policing, stakeholder collaboration
By KEMI KASUMU
According to SP Ikenga, the visit forms part of a nationwide operational assessment and engagement tour being conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to reinforce security architecture, improve operational efficiency, and deepen collaboration among security agencies and critical stakeholders.
The Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday June 15, 2026, received the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, as part of an ongoing operational tour of the South-East geopolitical zone aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing policing effectiveness across the region.
This was contained in a statement by Superintendent of Police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), dated June 16, 2026, and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Tuesday.
According to SP Ikenga, the visit forms part of a nationwide operational assessment and engagement tour being conducted across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to reinforce security architecture, improve operational efficiency, and deepen collaboration among security agencies and critical stakeholders.
Speaking during the engagement, DIG Onwuemelie conveyed the Inspector-General’s commitment to addressing emerging security challenges through proactive policing strategies, intelligence-led operations, and stronger inter-agency cooperation. He emphasized the need for officers to develop practical and innovative security interventions tailored to the unique security realities of Anambra State and the wider South-East region.
A major highlight of the engagement was the emphasis on modernizing policing operations through the integration of technology and artificial intelligence. The DIG disclosed plans to introduce AI-driven tools into investigative processes and announced that officers would undergo specialized training programmes designed to enhance their capacity in applying artificial intelligence to contemporary policing and crime-fighting operations.
He noted that technological innovation would play a critical role in improving intelligence gathering, criminal investigations, threat assessment, and overall operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force in the coming years.
The DIG also urged officers and personnel of the Anambra State Command to remain committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties. He stressed the importance of adopting a people-centred policing approach that prioritizes public trust, community engagement, and ethical conduct.
According to him, sustainable security can only be achieved when law enforcement agencies work closely with communities and maintain strong relationships built on mutual respect and confidence.
Welcoming the delegation, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, PhD, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for the visit and for the continued support being provided to the command.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the vision and strategic objectives of the Inspector-General, particularly in advancing community-oriented policing, improving intelligence gathering, and strengthening security measures across the state.
He noted that the visit would further motivate officers and enhance ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring lasting peace in Anambra State.
The operational tour also provided a platform for strategic consultations with relevant stakeholders on comprehensive security management across the South-East. Discussions focused on intelligence sharing, crime prevention mechanisms, coordinated responses to security threats, and measures to improve cooperation between security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other critical actors.
Security experts and stakeholders at the meeting highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling emerging threats and maintaining stability in the region, especially amid evolving security dynamics.
Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the Anambra State Police Command pledged to sustain robust engagement with stakeholders while strengthening security operations across the state. The command expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation, intelligence-driven policing, and community participation would contribute significantly to peace, security, and socio-economic development in Anambra and the South-East region.
The visit marks another step in the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security structures and position the force to effectively address contemporary security challenges through innovation, professionalism, and strategic partnerships.
