By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has donated 30 new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles to the Anambra State Police Command to strengthen its capacity to combat crime and enhance public safety across the state.
The presentation took place at the Old Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, where the governor formally handed over the vehicles to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.
The event also featured the formal presentation of 28 Anambra indigenes who recently graduated as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) from the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.
The officers have since been posted to Anambra State for active duty.
Governor Soludo urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism, charging them to live up to the state’s slogan, “Light to the Nation.”
He recalled that in January 2025, the state government launched Operation Udo Ga Achi, a joint security task force involving the Army, Police, Navy, DSS, Civil Defence and the Agunechemba security outfit, following the signing into law of the Anambra State security legislation.
At the time, 170 operational vehicles were deployed to support the initiative.
According to the governor, the sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies has yielded visible results, including the massive return of Ndi Anambra to the state during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
“Our people returned home in large numbers for Christmas. Traffic congestion across the state during the period was a clear indication of improved security,” Soludo said, attributing the development to the efforts of security agencies working round the clock to protect lives and property.
He explained that the additional 30 Hilux vehicles were procured in response to continued requests from security agencies, noting that the latest donation was specifically designated for police operations.
“Security is number one. Without security, law and order, not much can be achieved. That is why we prioritise security, and this handover marks how we are beginning the new year,” the governor stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustained security investment.
Receiving the vehicles, CP Orutugu described the donation as a major boost to the operational capacity of the Police Command, saying it would significantly improve patrol coverage, response time and overall efficiency.
He assured the state government of the Police Command’s continued commitment to combating crime and maintaining law and order across Anambra State.
