Police steps up Surveillance efforts over reports of alleged influx of 6,400 armed Fulani bandits to Anambra

Uchenna Johnson

Awka 

The Anambra State Police Command says it has beefed up security surveillance and patrol operations across the state, in response to a panic-inducing viral voice note alleging that thousands of armed Fulani men have been camped in many forests in different parts of the state ahead of a planned operation.

Recall that an alarming audio message (voice note) has been spreading rapidly across various WhatsApp platforms, claiming that no fewer than 6,400 Fulani men were secretly moved into Anambra State for an undisclosed violent mission expected to commence in December.

The unidentified narrator further alleged that the information was leaked by one of the supposed Fulani recruits who were moved into the state who allegedly sought financial assistance to return to his home state of Katsina.

The voice note further listed several locations including Enugwu-Agidi, Isuaniocha, Urum, and Mgbakwu forests as alleged hideouts of the said Fulani men. He also claimed that the men currently camp at Omagụ Isu, a boundary between Nawgu and Isuaniocha, as takeoff points for the purported operation.

The narrator also urged community leaders and youths across the state to mobilize and comb the surrounding bushes to flush out the alleged invaders.

However, reacting to the development, the Anambra State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the Command was fully aware of the circulating and “panic-inducing” voice note and has already intensified security surveillance in all areas mentioned in the recordings and across the state.

According to the police, preliminary assessments show that the viral message lacks verified credibility and does not align with confirmed intelligence reports.

“However, in spite of this, the Command has initiated proactive operational measures to ensure that every potential security concern, whether factual or fabricated, is thoroughly addressed,” he said.

The PPRO said, according to the directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Units and Joint Security Teams, have been placed on high alert.

The Police also directed the reinforcement of intelligence gathering, visibility policing, and intensive patrols across the state, both during the day and at night.

“The Command reassures residents across Anambra to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear or panic, stressing that police operatives across formations remain fully active, vigilant and committed to the protection of lives and property.

“We also caution members of the public against the circulation of unverified security messages capable of creating unnecessary panic and social tension, as such actions could attract legal consequences.

“Ndị Anambra are also advised to promptly report any suspicious movement or activities through the Police Control Room Hotline on 07039194332 or the Emergency Number 112; and we reaffirm our resolve to sustain proactive security operations and to ensure that peace, safety and public order are maintained across the State,” Ikenga noted.