ALTHOUGH there is no Boko Haram Islamic sect in Anambra State, there have been attacks on security operatives, especially policemen for some time.

Speaking on the matter, Police Public Relation Officer in Anambra State (ASP) Emeka Chukwuemeka said: “I don’t think there is anywhere policemen have not been attacked in Nigeria”, adding that officers and men of the command are equal to the task and have highly reduced the incidence of attacks by hoodlums, particularly armed robbers.

Some policemen lost their lives during a clash recently with the robbers. The command went into action and some of hoodlums were apprehended. They include the notorious gang leader and members of his gang who carried out the attack.

It would be recalled that last year, gunmen   raided police stations at Amichi and Ukpor police station in Nnewi South  Local Government area of the state and made away with 14 AK 47 rifles.  They freed some detainees.  Three mobile police men attached Ukpor   were killed by the dare devil armed gang suspected to be armed robbers.

It was said that the hoodlums numbering about seven, stormed Amichi station at about 2.30am in a black SUV Pajero jeep and shot sporadically into the air to attract policemen on duty.

At Ukpor, the robbers operated in white Hummer bus and a Hilux Jeep. They stormed the police station a midnight, shooting sporadically before hitting three mobile police officers.

On kitting, Chukwuemeka said police uniforms are constantly provided from the rank of inspector down to the last constable.

He added that they are provided with accommodation, but they are not enough to go round.

According to him, the command has since dismantled road blocks in the state. “Road blocks have been abolished, but where there is problem, policemen could be drafted to flash points, conduct stop and search operations, especially when there is car snatch, kidnap or armed robbery,” he said.

However, some stakeholders gave a different view of the situation within the police formation in the state. Speaking on the issues, a police officer who preferred anonymity, said policemen are really suffering.  Most of the policemen buy their own uniforms, he said, adding that those in charge corner the kits such as shoes, stockings, buttons and caps.

According to him, officers from the rank of ASP and above buy their kits while from recruit down to the inspector were to be issued kits by the police authorities. “Each officer is supposed to receive two pairs of uniforms, shoes, belt and caps because we understand these materials were provided. In fact, the hierarchy plays politics with the uniform. They sell to the junior staff at exorbitant prices. These kits are in the store  but the rank and file cannot get them. A set of buttons sells for N1,000. They equal sell stockings and polish,” he alleged.

According to him, the command loses approximately one officer monthly, killed violently either by armed robbers or kidnappers.

A policewoman in the command, disclosed that the arms and ammunition are grossly inadequate, stressing that in a unit of about 218 police officers, there is only about 15 AK47 rifles which is not enough to counter armed robbers. “The riot equipment are not there while some of the bullet proof vests available are not original. There are original ones in the store just for display. They issue fake types to policemen,” she alleged.

The accommodation for policemen is nothing to write home about, she said, pointing out that there are three types of houses for policemen. Many of the buildings are abandoned, even the high-ranking officers drive out the rank and file to occupy their houses.

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Ballah Nasarawa has taken some measures to check the activities of criminals which includes increased police presence and patrols across the state.