The Anambra Police Command said on Friday concluded that it would deploy hundreds of plain clothes officers to Onitsha with a view to fishing out criminals and elements wanted by law enforcement agencies.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka, said in Onitsha, Anambra, that the move was a proactive step to check criminal syndicate incubation.
Hoodlums and miscreants dislodged from the highways, streets and major black spots in Onitsha, were now carrying out their activities in neighbourhoods by breaking shops, malls and apartments.
Chukwuemeka said that the police would strengthen the intelligence base of the Command, adding that the holistic tactics adopted by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Usman Gwary, had been effective.
“We are leaving no stone unturned. And the daily patrols you are witnessing in Onitsha would be continued as assured by Gov. Willie Obiano and Mr Usman Gwary. the Commissioner of Police, in the state. “We would soon deploy hundreds of plain clothes officers and men to ensure that no criminal goes undetected, especially in the highly densely populated Onitsha.
“And it would soon help us to track down criminals and nefarious elements within the wanted list of the police for some time now,’’ he said.
The police spokesman urged members of the public and residents of Onitsha to be law-abiding and go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation.
He, however, appealed to the residents to report any suspicious character, group, movement and objects around them to the nearest law enforcement agency.
The joint security task force have mounted security points on roads while patrol teams are also monitoring the commercial city.