By Sarah Ezeh
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has honoured the retiring Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Ikioye Orutugu, for his contributions to strengthening security in Nigeria’s Southeast, describing him as “a gift to Nigeria” and a model of professional policing.
The governor spoke during a special State Executive Council session held in Awka in honour of the former Commissioner of Police in Anambra State.
He described the event as the first time the state government had formally celebrated a serving police commissioner on retirement from active service.
Soludo said Orutugu, who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60, played a pivotal role in improving the state’s security through effective collaboration with the military, intelligence services and other security agencies.
He noted that the achievements recorded under the retired police chief underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“He is retired but not tired,” the governor said.
“You worked with other security agencies and produced remarkable results.
“No single agency can secure the country alone, but together you strengthened Anambra’s security architecture and restored public confidence.”
Other dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Anambra, Mr. Chuks Anukposi; and traditional rulers, commended Orutugu’s leadership and professionalism.
They credited his tenure with enhancing coordinated security operations that significantly reduced criminal activities and improved safety across the state.
Responding, Orutugu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Soludo, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, journalists and the people of Anambra for their support throughout his service.
He recalled that the command inherited serious security challenges on his assumption of office but said sustained collaboration among stakeholders led to improved public safety and renewed confidence in law enforcement.
The retired police chief also acknowledged the role of the media in supporting security operations, describing journalists as critical partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment.
He disclosed that he was recently honoured with the Crime Fighter and Most Professional Police Officer of the Year 2026 award by the National Association of Women, as well as the Best Crime Fighter award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja Council, attributing the recognition to the collective efforts of officers, stakeholders and the media.
Orutugu urged police officers across the country to remain committed to professionalism, integrity and impartiality in the discharge of their duties
He stressed that ethical conduct remains the foundation of effective policing.
He appealed to governments at all levels to sustain support for security agencies and expressed confidence that the collaborative security framework established in Anambra would continue to enhance peace, protect lives and property, and contribute to national security and development.
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