Security agency cites potential hijack by criminal elements
The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents of Awka, the state capital, advising against any form of unauthorized street protests.
In a statement released on Friday, January 16, 2026, the Command noted that it has received intelligence reports suggesting that “unscrupulous elements” are planning to hijack peaceful demonstrations to cause a breakdown of law and order. This caution comes just days after the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations, where Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security chiefs gathered in Awka to honor fallen heroes and reaffirm their commitment to state security.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command is fully aware of the constitutional right of citizens to assemble and express their grievances. However, he emphasized that this right must be exercised within the ambit of the law, including the requirement to notify the police in advance to ensure adequate security coverage. The police warned that any group that embarks on a protest without the necessary approvals will be treated as a threat to public safety and will face the full weight of the law.
The Command highlighted that Awka and surrounding areas like Onitsha and Ekwusigo have recently been identified as “flash points” for potential security threats. With the state still navigating the political aftershocks of the November 2025 governorship election and ongoing efforts to combat cultism, the police maintain that a large-scale street protest could provide a “perfect cover” for criminal gangs to loot property and attack innocent citizens. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency helplines.
Police presence bolstered at strategic locations in Awka
To enforce this directive, the Anambra State Police Command has deployed additional personnel to strategic locations across the capital city, including the Alex Ekwueme Square, the Government House, and major junctions. The police high command stated that these measures are proactive and intended to deter any individual or group from attempting to disrupt the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state. Patrolling has also been intensified in densely populated neighborhoods to reassure the public of their safety.
The warning has been met with mixed reactions from civil society groups in the state. While some agree that the security situation in the South-East remains fragile due to the activities of “unknown gunmen” and secessionist agitators, others argue that the police should focus on providing protection for protesters rather than banning demonstrations outright. However, the police maintain that their primary duty is the “protection of lives and property,” and they will not fold their arms while “misguided elements” disrupt the socioeconomic activities of the state.
Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Shogunle, who recently took charge of the Command, reiterated that his administration has a “zero-tolerance” policy for violence and anarchy. He called on parents, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to warn their wards and subjects against being used by “political desperate actors” to cause trouble. The Anambra State Government has also expressed support for the police’s stance, noting that any disruption of peace would hamper the ongoing infrastructure development projects across Anambra.
Residents urged to utilize alternative channels for grievances
In place of street protests, the police have encouraged aggrieved individuals or groups to explore alternative avenues for seeking redress, such as town hall meetings and petitions to the relevant government agencies. The Command noted that it is open to dialogue and is willing to facilitate meetings between protesters and state officials to ensure that concerns are heard without endangering the lives of the populace. This approach is seen as a way to maintain the “security-first” posture of the Soludo administration.
As of Friday afternoon, the streets of Awka remained calm, with businesses and schools operating as usual. However, the heavy presence of security operatives at the Aroma Junction and along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway served as a visible reminder of the high state of alert. The police have promised to continue monitoring the situation closely and have assured “law-abiding citizens” that they can go about their daily routines without fear of harassment.
The current atmosphere in Anambra is one of cautious optimism, as the state seeks to move past its recent electoral cycle toward a period of stability and growth. The police’s proactive warning is part of a broader strategy to ensure that 2026 remains a year of progress rather than one defined by civil unrest. As the weekend approaches, the focus remains on whether organizers of the planned protests will heed the police warning or proceed with their activities.
