The need for proper profiling of members of the local vigilante outfits operating in Anambra State for effective community policing has been stressed.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, made the call following the recent arrest of an armed man who claimed to be a member of the vigilante operatives.
The suspect, who hails from the Ikono Area of Akwa Ibom State, was nabbed with a pump action rifle around the Nkwelle-Ezunaka area of Anambra State.
He was reportedly arrested by police operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters.
Disclosing this in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the 25-year-old suspect was arrested with the gun, which he wrapped in a bag of rice.
According to the Police Spokesman, upon interrogation, the suspect, identified as Enediong Bassey, confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was about to escape with the gun to join his criminal gang for armed robbery and other unpatriotic activities, before the police arrested him.
“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner Of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of Community Policing, has reiterated the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the Police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the State.
“The CP also directs the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-robbery squad of the Command for comprehensive investigations,” Ikenga said.
