The order given by acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba to take the war against crime and criminals to their dens was not targeted at innocent and lawful citizens in the South-East, the Anambra police spokesperson Toochukwu Ikenga said in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Baba had, during the launch of ‘Operation Restore Peace’ said the region which was known for being peaceful, tolerant, industrious and entrepreneurial has, in recent times, witnessed an upsurge in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, communal violence and attacks on security agents and our national infrastructures.

But addressing the concerns, Mr Ikenga said it was a deliberate effort by the police high command to stabilise the security order in the South-East.

The spokesperson said that the operation ‘Restore Peace’ was formed essentially to implement that objective.

According to him, the current police high command was deeply concerned about the recent spike of crime in the zone, most especially, deliberate attacks on security agents and our national assets.

“The operation is unique and targeted to restore peace, law and order. We, therefore, urge Anambra residents to work with the police and other security agents.

“I want to assure everybody that this operation is people-driven and shall be reviewed to address issues.

“It is not against innocent and lawful members of the society,” he explained.

(NAN)