By Karen James
In a bold and strategic move to secure lives and property during the Easter season and beyond, heads of security agencies in Anambra State have unveiled a unified and formidable initiative aimed at stamping out violent crimes, particularly kidnapping. The operation, code-named “Operations Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping and Other Violent Crimes in the State,” signals a new era of proactive and community-driven policing in the region.
The security summit, held at the Office of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, brought together commanding officers from a broad coalition of security outfits. These included the Nigerian Army’s 302 Artillery Regiment (GS), the Navy’s Naval Outpost, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Customs, and the Anambra State Vigilante Service, all under the coordination of the Nigeria Police Force.
With the Easter festivities marking a high-travel, high-risk season, Operations Udo Ga Chi is designed not only to combat criminal elements but to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for both residents and visitors. The operation’s name, meaning “Peace Shall Reign”, encapsulates the renewed resolve of Anambra’s security leadership to return calm and safety to the state.
“This is more than an Easter deployment,” CP Orutugu emphasized. “This is a long-term commitment to rid Anambra of violent crimes and restore total public confidence in the safety of our communities.”
Central to the operation is a focus on community engagement, with security agencies pledging to work hand-in-hand with local residents to gather intelligence, deter criminal activity, and build lasting trust between citizens and security operatives.
“This is a proactive, people-first policing strategy,” said SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Command. “We are sending a clear message: Anambra is not a haven for criminals. Through collaboration, vigilance, and shared responsibility, we will reclaim our communities.”
Operations Udo Ga Chi is expected to roll out in phases across the state’s 21 local government areas, with intensified surveillance, patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence-gathering operations.
As Anambra steps into the Easter celebrations, its security forces are stepping up with unity, strategy, and resolve — determined that peace will not just be a hope, but a promise fulfilled.
