Chief Nweke Nweke, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Anambra Vigilance Group, announced that the group will carry out a mop-up operation to retrieve prohibited firearms from unlicensed individuals or groups in the state.
Nweke made this statement during a press conference held on Sunday, citing the group’s findings that criminal elements and hoodlums operating in the state have obtained firearms through illegal means.
Nweke further explained that the initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the state police command and other security teams.
Its objectives include identifying individuals who possess firearms legally or illegally, monitoring lawful gun owners, and recovering firearms from unauthorized users.
He said, “The state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is not relenting on his campaign promises to make Anambra State liveable and prosperous. We are solidly behind the administration’s resolve to secure the environment for investors, residents, and others.
“We will wipe out all the hoodlums constituting security threats in the State. Only the AVG is allowed to bear firearms like pump actions in Anambra State. It is a prohibited device but you can see some unidentifiable individuals and groups using them.
“AVG with other joint security teams will embark on mop-up action to identify people or groups using prohibited firearms and recover them from the public. Genuine users will be checkmated.
“It has been discovered that most of these hoodlums, who are causing security challenges in the state and all over Nigeria, acquired firearms illegally. We are calling on the public to assist security with relevant information.
According to Chief Nweke Nweke, certain firearms like pump-action guns are prohibited for non-Anambra Vigilance Group (AVG) members.
The exceptions are private security guards who are either registered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps or recognized by the state government.
Nweke also urged the public to consider the AVG as partners in their collective progress. He specifically requested cooperation from the public when encountering AVG members in traffic, as any delays to their convoys could hinder their ability to apprehend criminals efficiently.
“We are committed to the protection of lives and properties in Anambra State as baby police. If you see us on the highway or streets, kindly give way for our convoys.
“Don’t stop us. Do not try to obstruct our movements or operations. Do not call us unprintable names as we try to serve you better. If you stop us, it can make us not meet up with our targets. You don’t know if there are criminals we are trying to catch up with,” he added.
