Police, NSCDC Beef Up Security Ahead of First Lady’s Anambra Visit

AWKA — The Anambra State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have commenced a comprehensive security and safety assessment across strategic locations in the state ahead of the planned visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other high-profile dignitaries.

The exercise, according to separate statements by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and the NSCDC Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Edwin Okadigbo, is aimed at identifying potential security vulnerabilities, validating existing arrangements and strengthening operational readiness.

Ikenga said the assessment covered designated venues, major access routes, critical infrastructure and other strategic locations, with emphasis on threat identification, intelligence coordination, access and movement control, strategic deployment, traffic management, emergency response capability and protection of lives and property.

He said, “The security and safety assessment is being conducted through enhanced inter-agency coordination to ensure a seamless and unified security architecture before, during and after the visit.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to undertake comprehensive assessments within their respective Areas of Responsibility and immediately address identified security gaps.

“The CP further directed all personnel deployed for the assignment to maintain maximum vigilance, operational discipline and professionalism, while remaining courteous and responsive to members of the public.”

Ikenga added that the Commissioner emphasised that all operations must be conducted within the framework of the law and with full respect for fundamental human rights.

He quoted the Commissioner as saying, “The Commissioner assures the public that the Command, working closely with sister security and safety agencies, has commenced necessary measures to ensure a secure, orderly and incident-free environment throughout the period of the visit.

“He therefore calls on residents, motorists, business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel, comply with lawful directives and promptly provide credible information on suspicious persons, movements or activities that may threaten public safety.

“The Command will continue to sustain heightened security posture and operational readiness before, during and after the visit.”

Meanwhile, Okadigbo said service commanders of security agencies in the state held a strategic security operational plans harmonisation meeting as part of preparations for the visit.

He said the meeting, attended by the NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, was convened to harmonise operational arrangements and ensure a hitch-free visit.

He said, “Key issues deliberated upon include inter-agency synergy for effective crowd control, traffic management, and VIP protection; deployment plans for personnel across all venues; intelligence gathering and threat assessment within the metropolis; as well as logistics and communication channels among security agencies.

“Following the meeting, the service commanders embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of designated venues for the visit.

“The delegation inspected the Old Government House, Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, and the Anambra Broadcasting Service. During the inspection, critical areas such as access points, parking arrangements, emergency exit routes, and the overall security architecture of each location were assessed.

“Relevant observations and recommendations were noted for immediate implementation. At the end of the deliberations and inspection, it was resolved that all security agencies will operate under a unified command structure for the duration of the visit.

“Adequate personnel will be deployed to all venues ahead of time. Visible diversion pointers and traffic control measures will be put in place to ease the movement of commuters.

“There will also be continuous liaison with other stakeholders, including the State Government, to ensure seamless coordination.”

Okadigbo said a follow-up inspection covered the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri; Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka; Nwagu-Agulu; Federal Polytechnic, Oko; and PHC Amawbia/Old Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

He said the inspection had in attendance Deputy Commandant Akaachia Godwin, Head of Operations Department, who stood in for the State Commandant.

“The NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, stated that the joint meeting and venue inspection are aimed at ensuring the safety of the First Lady, other dignitaries, and citizens during the visit.

“He assured that all security arrangements are in top gear to guarantee a peaceful and successful event.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to cooperate with security operatives and adhere to traffic advisories that will be issued during the period of the visit,” the statement added.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is scheduled to visit Anambra for an empowerment programme and the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East.

The visit is expected to focus on food security, economic empowerment and support for vulnerable citizens.