Anambra State CP Okioye  Beats Records, Bags NUJ’s Best Crime Fighter Man of the Year 2025 Award

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

In a momentous ceremony held today at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, was honored with the “Best Crime Fighter Man of the Year 2025” award by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council during the NUJ FCT Press Week Lecture & Awards, themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy and Society.”

Born on 3 August 1966 in Brass, Bayelsa State, the refined police officer Orutugu commenced his journey in law enforcement on 18 May 1992, entering as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent from the Nigeria Police Academy Annex, Kaduna following his scholastic voyage.

The scholar-police officer holds a BSc in Political Science (University of Port Harcourt), an MSc in Public Administration (University of Lagos), and notably a PhD in Sociology of Education from the University of Port Harcourt.

His extensive resume includes leadership roles at high-profile national and international levels—ranging from homicide investigations and Federal Highway patrols to commanding special protection training programmes. Additionally, he has completed several elite courses: Squadron Commander Combat Leadership, Strategic Leadership & Command at the Nigerian Police Institute, Peace Negotiation with UN missions in Kosovo, hostile-environment training, and is a fellow of the Nigerian Army War College.

The Best Crime Fighter, CP Okioye Orutugu was on the February 10th, 2025 appointed the 35th Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, declaring his mission to “fully reclaim public space,” stabilize security, and eliminate crime across the state.

CP Orutugu has not just declared his mission of fully reclaiming public space, stabilizing security and eliminating crime in the state but has conspicuously and evidently lived to his mission as declared.

He emphasized transparency and accountability in upholding the rule of law and restoring public confidence in the police, urged residents especially market traders in Onitsha and Nnewi to reject coercion and continue working alongside security forces.

Since assuming office, CP Orutugu has led a dramatic turnaround in Anambra’s security landscape, among which are but not limited to

1. Clamping Down on Sit‑at‑Home Order:

Through Operation Udo Ga Chi—a coordinated strategy involving police, military, DSS, civil defense, immigration, navy, and vigilante groups—he succeeded in neutralizing extortionist “sit‑at‑home” forces across all communities.

2. Combatting Violent Crimes
Under his tenure, significant strides were made against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, carjacking, ritual killings, and land-grabbing syndicates, especially within the first three months; bringing crime rate in anambra state to drastically reduced level.

3. High‑Profile Security Assurance
Anambra hosted major events without incident—like a high-stake wedding in Ihiala and a presidential visit to Awka—thanks to meticulous planning and surveillance.

4. Notable Rescue Operations: By  relaunching the state government operation Udo ga chi to Operation Udo ga chi zero kidnapping Command,  CP Orutugu’s strategic operation has led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and arrest of violent criminals, underscoring effective intelligence-driven policing.

There is no gain saying that the recognition and honour today by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FTC Council of CP Okioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD is well deserving and strategic reward for excellence, patriotism,commitment,dedication, competent and service.

His maiden directive upon appointment echoed this collaborative spirit, urging the media to partner in crime prevention by accurate reportage. He further rallied community leaders, urging vigilance and reporting of unethical influences among youth.

CP Okioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD exemplifies modern, educated, and strategic policing. His respected academic background, broad inter-agency collaborations, and decisive leadership have not only set records but also earned him top-tier national accolades. His award recognitions are not personal, they reflect collective action and mark a high-water point in Anambra’s path toward becoming a zero-crime state.

As the Commander-in-Chief of Anambra’s policing efforts, his vision has translated into safer communities, unyielding justice, and fortified public confidence. His journey continues, with the promise of sustained excellence in public safety and civic trust.