The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a clampdown on unlawful gatherings, especially cult-related activities, to avert supremacy battles among cult groups in the state.

The state’s police public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on Monday.

“The Commissioner of Police (CP), Anambra state, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering in the state.

“This follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information that suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today, July 7, to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups in the state,” he said.

Mr Ikenga quoted the CP as saying criminal activities could happen within student-populated areas, hence the need to step up the security deployment with the School Protection Squad (SPS).

He consequently instructed the operatives of the command to be on the offensive.

Mr Orutugu also urged hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments to refuse their facilities from being used to host gatherings associated with cult groups or any related activities.

According to the CP, the security deployment also involves covert operations with operatives at motor parks and other identified spots to prevent untoward situations.

The command, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities, gatherings, or threats to the police, saying the command remains dedicated to a peaceful and secure environment for everyone.

The CP urged residents of the state to call the various area commanders or divisional police officers (DPOs) in their areas of concern, in the case of any threat.

The SPS is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, designed to protect the schools, students and institutional infrastructure. 

(NAN)