Anambra police monitor checkpoints to curb extortion
The Anambra State Police Command has introduced a monitoring mechanism to supervise checkpoints and patrol teams, aiming to strengthen accountability and eliminate extortion.
The Police command in Anambra has introduced a monitoring mechanism to supervise checkpoints, patrol teams and other operational activities across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra command, Nnanna Ama, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga. Ama said the initiative followed feedback from the recent Anambra Security Stakeholders’ Interactive Sessions held across the three senatorial districts.
He said the measure was designed to strengthen policing, accountability and professionalism, while eliminating extortion, harassment and other abuses. “We have introduced a strategic monitoring mechanism through the Command’s operational control rooms,” Ama said. He said the control rooms would maintain closer oversight of patrol formations and checkpoints across the state.
According to him, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders will account for personnel deployed to strategic locations. The CP said reports and complaints concerning misconduct, extortion and other unprofessional conduct would be promptly received, monitored and escalated.
The introduction of the monitoring mechanism is a positive step. Extortion by police officers has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, and the new mechanism is designed to address the issue. Operational control rooms will provide closer oversight of police activities. The warning that officers found engaging in extortion will face disciplinary measures is also welcome.
This echoes the 2021 police reforms in Lagos, which also sought to curb extortion. The mechanism was different then, but the result was the same: a focus on accountability and professionalism.
The winners: Anambra residents, who may benefit from reduced extortion; and the Anambra Police Command, which is taking steps to improve its image. The losers: police officers who engage in extortion, who face disciplinary action; and the Nigerian government, which must sustain the reforms.
Bottom Line: Anambra police are monitoring checkpoints to curb extortion. Accountability is the goal. The question is whether the mechanism will be effective or just another paper policy.