Ember Months: Police Drop Security Tips Ahead of Yuletide

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Police Command has issued Security Advisory to residents, visitors, business owners, and road users across the State ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu in a statement on Wednesday said the tips have become necessary as the year gradually comes to an end with increased activities across the State.

He reassured the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety, peace, and security of Ndi Anambra throughout the period and beyond.

He said, “The Ember Months – September to December are typically associated with heightened commercial activities, increased movement of people and goods, festivities, and unfortunately, a rise in opportunistic criminal activities.

“The Operatives of the Command has intensified visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-driven raids on identified criminal hideouts.

“Joint security deployments are active across public places, markets, religious centers and major transit points.

“The CP, however, urges residents to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid late-night movements, unless absolutely necessary.

“Residents must ensure that their homes, shops, and business premises are properly secured and to report suspicious persons, gatherings, or activities immediately to the nearest Police formation.

“Communities are further encouraged to strengthen their local security networks in collaboration with the Police.

“The Command also warns against reckless driving, excess speeding, drunk-driving and violation of traffic rules.

“Motorists are advised to service their vehicles, obey traffic officers, and avoid night journeys where possible.

“Furthermore, residents should be cautious of online transactions, fraudulent investment schemes, fake job offers, and identity theft, which often increase during the festive period.

“Residents are further enjoined to always verify before you trust, as security is a shared responsibility.

“To this end, the CP restated his resolve to always attend to complaints of misconduct whatsoever by personnel, share security information, as well as requests for security services.

“Residents are equally encouraged to use the following emergency lines to reach the Police Command at any time: Police Control Room Hotline: 07039194332; CP Monitoring Unit: 08035893571; X-Squad : 07053614331; Anti-Fraud/Command intelligence officer: 08064018319; PPRO: 08039334002

“Let it be known that the Anambra State Police Command will not tolerate any form of criminal activity during this season.

“Individuals or groups planning to take advantage of the festivities for crime should desist, as the full weight of the law awaits offenders.”