New Anambra Police Commissioner Declares Zero Tolerance for Intimidation, Extortion

By Praise Chinecherem

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Oji Ama, has declared an end to intimidation and extortion by police personnel in the state, warning officers against exploiting residents and motorists.

Ama, who assumed duty as the new Commissioner of Police, made the declaration on Monday while addressing journalists at the Command headquarters, Awka.

He said his administration would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to extortion, particularly at police stations and major highways, while combining traditional policing with digital technology and intelligence-led investigations to combat crime.

“I want to assure the people of the state of their safety. It is a question of working hard, proactively and through intelligence-led policing.

“We are going to enhance our digital policing to assist traditional policing. We are going to implement intelligence-led investigations and engage the communities.

“This is a strong factor in combating crime. If the people don’t trust you, there is nothing you can do. We are going to build on the notion of legitimacy and public trust.”

The Commissioner said public cooperation would be central to his policing strategy, stressing that residents must see themselves as co-owners of security efforts in the state.

According to him, effective policing cannot be achieved without legitimacy, trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.

“We want you to be co-owners of policing strategies, which includes taking policing to the grassroots,” he said.

Ama also issued a stern warning to police officers involved in extortion, particularly those operating along major highways and at police stations.

“If there is any extortion at the grassroots, you will assist us to resolve it. From yesterday, when I arrived, I gave strict directives and warnings to those on major highways and at police stations.

“We are going to operate on zero extortion. Mark my words. I am going to implement it. We have started already. I assure you, we must get it right gradually. We will ensure procedural justice.”

On the issue of residents recording police officers while on duty, the CP said such recordings would be acceptable where they were intended to document misconduct, but warned against using them to obstruct officers carrying out legitimate duties.

“If you are doing that for purposes of malice or obstructing officers from doing their lawful duties, I think your conscience will not permit that.

“But if the officers are taking the law into their hands, by doing what they are not supposed to do, and you are creating evidence for it, I have no objections to that.”

Ama said he would undertake a comprehensive review of the Command’s policing strategies and operational capabilities, with emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology-driven policing, operational efficiency and proactive crime prevention.

He further pledged to strengthen community policing and collaboration with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other critical stakeholders.

“Our objective is clear — to make Anambra State safer, more secure and more peaceful for every resident and visitor,” he said.

The Commissioner also described journalists as indispensable partners in the state’s security architecture, urging them to maintain professionalism, accuracy and balance in reporting security-related issues.

“Your responsibility in informing the public, especially during periods of heightened security concern, cannot be overemphasised. Your interest must be for the overriding interest of public safety and national security,” Ama said.

He called for continued cooperation between the police and the media in confronting criminality, saying objective reportage would help strengthen public confidence in the security agencies.

Ama assured residents that the Command under his leadership would provide an enabling environment for police officers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

“The Police Command under my leadership shall remain steadfast in protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, strengthening strategic partnerships and ensuring that every law-abiding citizen can live and conduct legitimate business in an atmosphere of peace and security,” he said.

The CP thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Anambra Command and also appreciated the state government for its continued support for the Nigeria Police Force.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and security-conscious, while encouraging them to report suspicious persons, activities and incidents to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.

“Let us continue to support the Police and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will assist us in preventing and combating crime,” he added.