By Emeka Chiaghanam
The newly deployed Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP
Nnanna Oji Ama, has assumed command with a firm promise to protect residents
while ending extortion and other forms of misconduct by police personnel across
the state.
Ama, who became the 36th Commissioner of Police in Anambra
following the retirement of AIG Ikioye Orutugu, made the commitment on Monday
at the Command headquarters in Amawbia, Awka, where he was formally received
with a Quarter Guard parade.
Addressing journalists after taking over, the new CP said
his immediate priority would be to strengthen public confidence in the police
through intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, while ensuring that
law-abiding residents, businesses and visitors are protected.
He gave particular attention to police extortion, warning
officers against exploiting motorists and other members of the public.
Ama said he had already issued clear instructions to
personnel at police stations and major highways that extortion would no longer
be tolerated.
“We are going to operate on zero extortion. Mark my words. I
am going to implement it. We have started already,” he said, adding that the
Command would also ensure procedural justice in its dealings with the public.
The Commissioner, however, said effective policing could not
be achieved by the police alone. He called for stronger cooperation among
residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, other security
agencies and the police.
He urged Ndi Anambra to regard themselves as partners in
maintaining security, particularly by helping the police take effective
policing to the grassroots.
According to him, intelligence gathered from communities
would be critical to preventing crime before it happens and making it
increasingly difficult for criminals to operate in the state.
Ama also addressed the growing practice of residents
recording police officers during encounters. He said members of the public
could record officers where the purpose was to document suspected misconduct or
unlawful behaviour.
He cautioned, however, that such recordings should not be
used maliciously or to mock, provoke or obstruct officers who were carrying out
legitimate duties.
The new CP said he would conduct a broad review of the
Command's existing policing strategies and operational capacity, with greater
emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology, efficiency and proactive crime
prevention.
He also acknowledged the support of Anambra State Governor,
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to security agencies, saying such backing
remained important to maintaining peace and stability across the state.
Ama brings more than three decades of police experience to
the new assignment. Before his deployment to Anambra, he served as Commissioner
of Police, Intelligence and Training, at the Force Intelligence Department,
Force Headquarters, Abuja, having earlier served as Deputy Commissioner in the
same department.
A native of Ekata in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi
State, Ama holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Jos and began his
police career as a Cadet Superintendent of Police after training at the Police
Academy, Wudil, Kano State.
His career has taken him through intelligence, criminal
investigation, tactical operations, administration, public relations and
command positions. He previously served as Area Commander in Nnewi, Commander
of several Police Mobile Force units, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the FCID
in Abuja, and Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, among other
assignments.
He has also undertaken professional training in Nigeria and
abroad, including courses in strategic leadership, intelligence management, detective
work, operational planning and tactical command.
The Commissioner has received recognition for professional
courage, including a commendation for bravery following the recovery of an
AK-47 rifle during a 2007 shootout with armed robbers in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
State.
With the new leadership now in place, Ama said the Command
would build on existing security gains while pursuing a policing approach
centred on trust, accountability, intelligence and closer engagement with the
communities it serves.
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