The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate arrest of anyone posing as security personnel to extort residents or undermine public safety.
Orutugu issued the directive on Tuesday in Awka after security reviews revealed that criminal elements have been disguising themselves in police and other security agency uniforms to perpetrate offences across the state.
“The Anambra Police Command has introduced new enforcement measures to strengthen public security and curb the misuse of security uniforms,” Orutugu said.
“These directives aim to ensure proper identification of all security personnel on duty and to eliminate the activities of impersonators who endanger public safety.
“Anyone found wearing, selling, or using police or other security agency uniforms, kits, or accessories without authorisation will face immediate arrest and prosecution.”
He reiterated that security uniforms are protected government assets and that possessing them illegally is a crime.
The CP noted that impersonators frequently exploit these uniforms to intimidate citizens, commit offences, and evade detection by authorities.
To address this, Orutugu instructed all divisional police officers, tactical squads, and patrol teams to enhance visibility policing and meticulously confirm the identities of personnel during field operations.
He also encouraged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious individuals claiming to be security officers.
