By Karen James
Dr. Ikioye Orutugu has officially taken over as the 35th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, succeeding CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters as the Commissioner in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit in Abuja.
Born on August 3, 1966, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, CP Orutugu joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a cadet Assistant Superintendent at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex in Kaduna. He holds a BSc in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos, and a PhD in Sociology of Education from the University of Port Harcourt.
Throughout his career, CP Orutugu has served in various capacities across the federation, including:
• Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Homicide Section at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
• Commanding Officer of the Federal Highway, Zone 5, covering Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
• Unit Commander of the Police Mobile Force in Akure, Squadron 17.
• Commanding Officer of Mopol 22 in Lagos.
• Commandant of the Special Protection Training College in Kudan, Kaduna State.
• Commandant of the Police Mobile Training College in Ila-Orangun, Osun State.
As a Deputy Commissioner of Police, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration at Zone 13 Headquarters in Dunukofia Ukpo and as the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Criminal Investigation in Ondo State. Prior to his current appointment, he was the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
CP Orutugu has undergone specialized training, including the Unit Commander Conversion Course, Squadron Commander Combat Leadership Course, and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the Nigeria Police Institute in Abuja. He also participated in Peace Negotiation and Interpersonal Skills training under the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and is a fellow of the War College and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Professional Courses.
Upon assuming office, CP Orutugu emphasized his commitment to proactive and community-based policing strategies to enhance security in Anambra State. He seeks the support and cooperation of the general public in combating crime and ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
In his inaugural address, he stated, “I am on a mission to fully reclaim the public space across the state as well as maintain law and order. I intend to address the attitude of the people on ideology based on crime bordering on attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, abduction of persons, and destruction of government infrastructure, and other sundry offenses.”
CP Orutugu’s extensive experience and specialized training are expected to bolster the security framework in Anambra State, fostering a safer environment for its citizens.
