Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has described the retiring Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as “a gift to Nigeria,” praising his professionalism, leadership and contributions to the improvement of security in the state.
Soludo spoke during a special session of the Anambra State Executive Council held in honour of Orutugu at the Light House in Awka, as the police officer formally bowed out of service after a distinguished career.
The event formed part of activities marking Orutugu’s retirement, 60th birthday and ceremonial pull-out from the Nigeria Police Force.
The governor said the valedictory session was historic because, according to him, it was the first time an officer retiring from active service in Anambra State was being formally honoured with the full participation of the State Executive Council.
Soludo said he found it difficult to believe that Orutugu was leaving the state, describing the occasion as emotional and significant.
He particularly commended the retired police chief for being a team player who understood the importance of collaboration among security agencies.
“He is retired but not tired,” the governor said, while thanking Orutugu’s family and the royal cabinet from Bayelsa State for giving Nigeria what he described as “the gift of Ikioye.”
Soludo attributed part of the security gains recorded in Anambra during Orutugu’s tenure to his ability to work closely with other members of the state’s security architecture.
According to the governor, no single security agency can successfully tackle the country’s security challenges alone, stressing that collaboration among the police, military, intelligence services and other agencies was essential.
The governor said Orutugu’s approach demonstrated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing crime and restoring public confidence.
The state government also credited the former police commissioner with strengthening police-community relations, improving collaboration with sister security agencies and helping to enhance public safety across the state.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, also praised Orutugu’s contribution, recalling that the state was facing serious insecurity when he assumed office.
Nweke said the collaborative efforts of the security agencies had helped transform the security situation, describing Anambra as one of the safest states in the country.
The State Director of the Department of State Services, Chuks Anukposi, described Orutugu as a friend, partner, mobiliser and organiser, noting that they worked together in planning security operations.
The traditional ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala, also commended the retired police chief, saying his tenure contributed to the strengthening of the state’s security policies and the reduction of attacks on traditional institutions.
For his part, Orutugu expressed appreciation to God, President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Soludo, the state government, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, journalists and residents of Anambra for their support during his service.
He recalled that the police command inherited significant security challenges when he assumed office but said sustained cooperation among security agencies and the support of the state government helped produce improved public safety and greater confidence in the police.
Orutugu also singled out journalists for commendation, describing the media as important partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment.
He said the support and cooperation he received from journalists in Anambra helped the command communicate its activities and achievements to the wider public.
During his farewell activities, Orutugu was also recognised for his professional service, having received awards for his crime-fighting efforts and professionalism.
The retirement marked the end of a police career spanning decades and culminated in a ceremonial pull-out parade attended by serving and retired police officers, government officials, traditional rulers, family members and other stakeholders.
The former Anambra police chief, who hails from Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police before his retirement.
His departure has therefore brought to a close a period in which the Anambra government and security agencies placed considerable emphasis on joint operations, community engagement and intelligence-sharing as tools for confronting crime.
Governor Soludo’s description of Orutugu as a “gift to Nigeria” underscored the state’s appreciation of the officer’s contribution to its security architecture and his wider service to the country.
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