The Anambra State Police Command has voiced serious concerns about a rise in social misconduct, especially among young people aged 18 to 26.
In a recent press briefing, the command highlighted the growing issues of cultism and fake kidnapping incidents, despite past successes in tackling crime.
The police provided examples of recent staged kidnappings where young individuals, including a young woman and her boyfriend, conspired to extort millions of naira from their parents.
READ ALSO: INEC seeks legal remedy for ‘premature’ election campaigns
These incidents, along with a recent deadly cult-related shooting at a funeral in Ogidi that left four people dead and 15 injured, are described as alarming.
The command attributes these troubling trends partly to a decline in parental supervision.
In response, the police are intensifying operations by increasing patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
They have also adopted a two-pronged strategy: a kinetic approach involving targeted raids on criminal hideouts and a non-kinetic approach of inviting suspected cult members for questioning.
The police note that drug abuse is a significant driver of these criminal activities.During recent operations, the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) arrested one suspect, Chiderah Obochi, in Ifitedunu, recovering a large quantity of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp.
The suspect confessed to being a drug dealer and led the police to a house in Umudioka Village where 11 bags of suspected cannabis sativa were found.
The recovered drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Additionally, police operatives raided a black spot in Ogidi on September 14, where they arrested 53 suspects, 38 males and 15 females.
READ ALSO: Anambra Police rescue stolen child, arrest suspects in child trafficking
These individuals are currently being screened and profiled, and those found to be involved in criminal activities will face charges.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reassured the public of the command’s dedication to restoring order and protecting lives and property.
