As the end-of-year period draws closer, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents, travellers, community leaders and business operators across the state in southeastern Nigeria to heighten their vigilance and remain conscious of their surroundings during the busy festive stretch commonly referred to as the Ember Months. Okay News reports.
The Ember Months, which span from September to December, traditionally attract a surge in commercial activities, heightened road traffic, movement of goods, numerous cultural celebrations, and consequently, an increase in “opportunistic criminal” activities. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, the period requires the utmost safety consciousness from citizens and institutions.
The statement partly read, “As the year gradually comes to an end and activities across Anambra State increase during the ‘Ember months’, the Anambra State Police Command wishes to issue this important security advisory to residents, visitors, business owners, and road users across the State. The ‘Ember months’ — September to December — are typically associated with heightened commercial activities, increased movement of people and goods, festivities, and, unfortunately, a rise in opportunistic criminal activities.”
Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu affirmed that the Police Command had scaled up operations throughout the region, stressing that officers have intensified visibility policing, highway patrols, stop-and-search engagements and intelligence-led raids targeted at known and emerging criminal hideouts. He added that joint security deployments now operate across markets, religious centres, public gathering points and major travel corridors.
The Commissioner noted that despite the heightened security presence, residents must continue to contribute to safety efforts. He urged the public to avoid unnecessary night travel, ensure that homes and business premises remain securely locked, and promptly alert law enforcement agencies about unfamiliar individuals, suspicious gatherings or unusual activities.
He further charged communities to strengthen their local security structures and maintain cooperation with the police, adding that complying with traffic rules is vital during the festive season. He warned against reckless driving, speeding, intoxicated driving and other actions that endanger commuters.
The Police Command also emphasised the rising trend of digital scams that typically flourish during festive months. The Commissioner stated, “Furthermore, residents should be cautious of online transactions, fraudulent investment schemes, fake job offers, and identity theft, which often increase during the festive period. Residents are further enjoined to always verify before you trust, as security is a shared responsibility.”
He reiterated his commitment to addressing any concerns related to police personnel misconduct and encouraged the public to share security information and request police assistance whenever necessary.
For emergencies, the Police Command listed the following contacts: Control Room Hotline – 07039194332; Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit – 08035893571; X-Squad – 07053614331; Anti-Fraud and Command Intelligence Officer – 08064018319; and the Public Relations Officer – 08039334002.
He concluded with a warning to criminal elements intending to exploit the festive season, stressing that the “full weight of the law awaits offenders.”
Earlier in June, the Command had urged residents to expose criminals and collaborate with joint security operations in the state to maintain law and order. The Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, stated at the time that community participation remains essential for effective policing and the prevention of crime.
