The Anambra State Police Command has sounded an alarm over what it describes as a growing and dangerous trend of security operatives concealing their identities while providing protection to Very Important Personalities across the state.
In a press statement issued on Sunday 5th April 2027 and signed by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police said the use of masks by operatives particularly in non-operational or public-facing assignments such as VIP protection makes it difficult to verify legitimacy and could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts under the guise of security duties.
The statement read in part: “The Command notes that while security duties often require tactical discretion, the act of masking identities without proper authorisation raises significant security concerns. Such practices not only pose a potential threat to public safety but also undermine trust, accountability, and the integrity of inter-agency collaboration.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, stressed that identifiable security personnel remain a critical component of coordinated security operations, especially in an environment that demands synergy among various agencies.
The command also warned that masked escorts operating in public spaces may trigger fear among residents and erode trust between communities and security institutions, while also complicating identification processes during emergencies or investigations.
The CP therefore urged all security agencies operating in Anambra State to ensure that their personnel remain properly identified at all times, except during clearly defined tactical operations approved by the appropriate authorities.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and maintaining public trust in the discharge of its duties.
