From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
After serving in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for 35 statutory years, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Anari Nkanu, the officer in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Nnewi unit, Anambra State, has bid goodbye to the job.
Anari, who enlisted into the NPF in 1982 as a constable, served in various state police formations across Nigeria, including Enugu, Delta, Bayelsa, Abia and Anambra, where he retired. In all, Anari served in six commands within the six geopolitical zones of the country.
During a thanksgiving and send-off ceremony recently, he said: “I served in various capacities and all sections of the Nigeria Police Force. This helped to build me with the knowledge to conceptually and practically deliver quality service to our Nigerian people of all shades and persuasions. In the course of executing my duty, I admit making human mistakes.
“There is no way you are charged with the responsibility of enforcement of law and order, as members of Nigeria Police Force, without offending individuals or groups, Such is the nature of the job. For that reason, I ask those I have offended to be gracious enough to forgive and I hereby tender my unreserved apology to those I offended. And I implore those in service to be slow to anger and avoid provocation.”
He noted that he was leaving the job with a sense of fulfillment for service to humanity and for personal protection and blessings from God.
Anari appealed to his guests to join him to appreciate God for His guidance and mercies upon his life for the past 35 years in the police.
Reflecting on his contributions to operations and strategies, Anari noted that he did his job in the spirit of selfless service to the NPF, devotion, loyalty and un-relenting strategies to fight crime in any state of the federation where he was assigned a constitutional responsibility for a crime-free society.
The retired cop explained that his contribution of ideas helped in the formation of the dreaded “Operation Sting” in Onitsha Area Command in 1998, which he said fought and eradicated armed robbers and other criminals in the area.
He told his audience at the send-off that he was also instrumental to the formation of SARS in Anambra in 2001, having contacted the then Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, the late Sir Daniel Ayogo, who gave his approval after having a brief with Anari.
In Delta State, when armed robbers and kidnappers held the state hostage, Anari said he founded the Commissioner’s “Crack Squad” that sent criminals packing from the state.
On arrival in Aba, Abia State, Anari said he set up a team code-named “Quick Response” through the blessing of CP Rabiu Deyi (rtd.), which waged a total war against kidnapping and other violent crimes in 2012 “and peace returned to Aba.”
In Nnewi, where he ended the journey in police work, Anari said, after due consultations with stakeholders on arrival at the industrial community, he was able to make a high-profile achievements in crime prevention and control and was leaving Nnewi better than he met it in every ramification.
In their commendations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kotec Group of Companies, Chief Chika Emenike, identified war against crime as a collective responsibility.
He said the efforts and contributions that Anari made as the head of SARS in Nnewi should be emulated by other policemen.
“In times like this, I count my memory to his commitment in fishing out criminals with intent to defraud companies in Nnewi. I’m happy with the strategies and wish him the best in his future endeavours. We will continue to assist him. God bless you,” CEO, Chicason Group, Chief Chika Okafor, said.
Others who commended Anari and wished him God’s protection were CEO, Innoson Group of Companies, Chief (Dr.)Innocent Chukwuma, and Chief Cletus Ibeto, among others.
Evangelist Igboanugo Ignatius of the Grace of God Mission, who officiated at Nnewi SARS head quarters during the thanksgiving, said Anari should thank his stars for having completed his 35 years in police service without any problem.
“It is a thing to give thanks to God to go out and come back after 35 years. Some travel from their homes to mortuary, hospitals and so on. You did not have accidental discharge. God saves people every day in various dimensions. You have to serve God for the rest of your life,” Evang. Ignatius advised.