By Jennifer John
Imo State Police Command says it has commenced an intelligence-led stop and search patrols in all the three Senatorial Zones of the state, as part of measures to forestall surge of crimes during the yuletide season.
This was part of the information contained in the address of the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Huissani, during the parade of suspected criminals/press briefing at the state Police Command headquarters, Owerri, Thursday.
Other strategies to ensure crime free yuletide celebration as enumerated by the police boss included; Visibility policing which entails ensuring that the Operation Search and Flush patrol teams are visible in all strategic places within and outside the metropolis.
“Also, I have dispatched more plain clothes policemen to black spot areas in Ama-JK, Douglas, Tetlow, Orji, World Bank, Ama Hausa, Control post to checkmate crimes, especially the stealing of phones and other valuables.
“All the exit and inlet routes of the state will be well manned by the command’s special forces. The command is partnering with communities, as many of them are being encouraged to form vigilante groups/neighbourhood watch. Presently they are working with their various Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to achieve this.
“Emphasis is being placed on community policing and the command is partnering with various stakeholders such as; traditional rulers, president generals and youth leaders to assist in policing their areas. The command is also working in synergy with the Imo State Hunters Association, with a view to making sure that the bushes are not used as criminal hideouts or camps for kidnappers”
Huissani consequently expressed confidence in these strategies and others he decided to keep close to his chest, to guarantee Imolites blissful Christmas celebration, devoid of violent crimes.
Meanwhile the security chief used the opportunity to parade 29 suspects arrested in connection with different criminal offences, especially kidnapping and armed robbery. He displayed some exhibits recovered from the criminals which included; thirteen (13) firearms, eighty nine (89) ammunitions of different calibres and nine (9) vehicles of different makes.
