By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has advised residents of the state to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative during arrest situations, warning that resistance to arrest or confrontation with security operatives could lead to avoidable violence, injuries, or even loss of lives.
The Command gave the advice in a public sensitization message issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, as part of efforts to strengthen police-public relationship and educate residents on how to properly conduct themselves during encounters with law enforcement officers.
According to the statement, many arrest situations often degenerate because suspects or people around them become confrontational, hostile, or attempt to obstruct officers from carrying out their lawful duties, thereby escalating tensions unnecessarily.
The Police spokesperson stressed that even where an individual believes an arrest is unnecessary or unjustified, the best and safest approach remains to allow the process to proceed peacefully while seeking redress through legitimate channels afterwards.
He explained that resisting arrest could easily create the impression that a suspect is violent or attempting to evade justice, adding that such actions may worsen the situation and even constitute a separate offence under the law.
The Command further advised residents to politely ask officers for the reason behind their arrest whenever they are unclear about it, noting that every citizen has the right to know why he or she is being arrested. It also encouraged individuals to request the identities of officers involved, including the unit or department they represent, especially where such officers fail to properly identify themselves.
The Police also clarified that the presence of a complainant during an arrest should ordinarily indicate that the officers are acting based on an official complaint and not out of personal interest or hostility. Residents were therefore urged not to interpret such situations emotionally or violently.
According to the Command, voluntarily accompanying officers to the station and cooperating with lawful investigations often reflects confidence and respect for constituted authority, while also helping to avoid unnecessary tension.
The statement also encouraged residents to inform trusted relatives, friends, or legal representatives about their whereabouts whenever they are being taken into custody, including asking officers for the exact police station they are being taken to.
The Police further warned members of the public against interfering in the arrest of other persons, stressing that many people may not fully understand the gravity or details of allegations surrounding an arrest situation before attempting to obstruct officers.
While emphasizing the need for improved relationship between the Police and the public, the Command noted that every interaction with law enforcement officers, including arrest situations and invitations, should also be seen as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
Reaffirming that “the Police is truly your friend,” the Command also released some important emergency and complaint response contacts for residents seeking assistance or wishing to report issues requiring police attention.
The numbers released by the Command include that of the Police Public Relations Officer on 08039334002, the Command Control Room on 07039194332, and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 08069262121.
The Command also urged Ndi Anambra and residents of the state to remain security-conscious at all times, stay away from crime, cooperate with security agencies, and make effective use of the safety tips provided.
