New Anambra Police Commissioner Nnanna Oji Ama Assumes Duty, Pledges Safe and Secure Environment

By Mark Agwu · Published August 10, 2026

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has assumed duty, promising to strengthen security operations and create a safer environment for residents, businesses and visitors across the state.

Oji Ama formally took over the leadership of the Anambra State Police Command on Monday, August 10, 2026, following the retirement and subsequent promotion of his predecessor, AIG Ikioye Orutugu. The change in command comes at a crucial period for the state, with security and public safety remaining major concerns for communities and authorities.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu. (Politics Governance)

Oji Ama takes charge

The new commissioner's assumption of office marks the beginning of a fresh leadership phase for the state command.

Oji Ama, a senior police officer with extensive operational experience, was among officers recently elevated to the rank of Commissioner of Police. His promotion was part of a wider exercise involving the elevation of senior officers within the Nigeria Police Force.

At the time of their promotion, the Inspector-General of Police charged the newly promoted commissioners to embrace innovative approaches to policing, strengthen relationships with communities and build public confidence while respecting the rights of citizens. Oji Ama was among the officers specifically listed in the promotion exercise. (The Whistler Newspaper)

His arrival in Anambra therefore comes with expectations that his experience will be translated into stronger policing strategies and improved security coordination across the state.

Pledge to protect lives and property

One of the central messages accompanying Oji Ama's assumption of office is his commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for the people of Anambra.

The new commissioner has pledged to deploy intelligence-led policing and strengthen operational strategies aimed at preventing crime before it occurs.

This approach places greater emphasis on gathering and analysing information, identifying emerging threats and responding quickly to security challenges.

Rather than relying solely on conventional patrols and reactive investigations, intelligence-led policing allows security agencies to identify crime patterns, potential threats and high-risk locations and deploy resources accordingly.

For a state with major commercial centres such as Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and other densely populated communities, effective intelligence gathering could be critical to preventing violent crime and protecting economic activities.

Community partnership remains crucial

Oji Ama's security agenda is also expected to place considerable emphasis on cooperation between the police and members of the public.

The importance of community partnership has repeatedly been stressed by Nigeria's police leadership. When the latest batch of senior officers was decorated, the Inspector-General urged them to strengthen collaboration with communities, gain public trust and adopt innovative policing methods. (Punch Newspapers)

For Anambra, community cooperation is particularly important because residents often possess valuable information about criminal activities, suspicious movements and emerging security threats.

Building confidence between residents and law-enforcement officers can encourage people to provide information without fear and improve the speed with which security agencies respond to incidents.

The new commissioner will therefore have to balance enforcement with community engagement as he seeks to improve security throughout the state.

Security challenges in Anambra

The new administration takes over at a time when Anambra continues to confront a range of security concerns.

Recent incidents reported in the state have included violent crime, child-related criminal investigations and other serious offences. Punch reported the discovery of three children dead at a native doctor's residence, with another child found critically ill, prompting a police investigation.

The state has also witnessed cases involving kidnapping, cult-related activities, armed robbery and other forms of criminality over the years.

These challenges mean the new police commissioner will be expected to maintain pressure on criminal networks while ensuring that ordinary residents can go about their daily activities without fear.

Lessons from Oji Ama's policing career

Oji Ama is not new to demanding policing environments.

Available records show that he previously served in Anambra, including as an Area Commander in Nnewi. In 2018, police records identified him as the Area Commander, Nnewi, when police personnel responded to an intelligence report concerning an alleged gathering involving suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

The operation resulted in an ambush in which a police inspector was killed, and other officers were injured, according to the police account at the time. (Daily Trust)

His previous experience in the state could prove valuable as he returns to lead the entire command.

His familiarity with the security landscape and local dynamics may help him understand some of the challenges facing communities while developing strategies for tackling them.

Medical support for surviving children

On his first day in office, Oji Ama also responded to a tragic incident involving four children in Ideani Community, where three children reportedly died after being found unconscious.

According to a report published on Monday, the commissioner said the Anambra Police Command would bear the full medical expenses of the surviving child and closely monitor the child's treatment and recovery.

The decision reflects a policing approach that goes beyond investigation and enforcement to include concern for victims and affected families.

The incident is expected to remain among the early priorities for the new administration as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.

Expectations from residents

The assumption of office has generated expectations among residents and stakeholders who want stronger security across the state.

For businesses, improved security can encourage investment and allow traders, manufacturers and other entrepreneurs to operate with greater confidence. For communities, effective policing can help reduce fear and improve public confidence in government institutions.

However, delivering on the new commissioner's pledge will require more than declarations.

Adequate manpower, modern equipment, reliable intelligence, effective investigation, cooperation with other security agencies and sustained community engagement will all be necessary.

The police command will also need to maintain professionalism and respect for citizens' rights while dealing firmly with criminal activities.

The road ahead

As Oji Ama begins his tenure, attention will now shift from his promises to measurable results.

Residents will be watching for improvements in response times, crime prevention, investigation of serious offences and the general security situation across Anambra's communities.

The new commissioner's experience, combined with the support of officers and cooperation from residents, could provide a foundation for stronger security architecture.

Ultimately, the success of his administration will be judged by whether people feel safer, whether criminals face effective law enforcement and whether Anambra remains an environment where residents and businesses can operate peacefully.

Conclusion

CP Nnanna Oji Ama's assumption of office as Anambra State Commissioner of Police represents a new chapter for the state's security command.

With a pledge to provide a safe and secure environment, strengthen intelligence-led policing and deepen cooperation with communities, the new commissioner faces significant expectations.

His previous experience in Anambra and across the Nigeria Police Force gives him an important foundation, but the real test will be translating his commitments into tangible improvements in public safety.

For the people of Anambra, the expectation is straightforward: stronger crime prevention, faster responses to threats, professional policing and an environment where lives and property are protected.