Kehinde Fajobi
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has accused self-proclaimed Biafran agitators of engaging in “lucrative criminality” in the South-East, where they are involved in crimes such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and idolatry for ransom.
Soludo noted that criminals are hiding behind the guise of a liberation struggle, exacerbating insecurity in the region.
He affirmed the state’s determination to rid Anambra of these criminal elements.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Amawbia, near Awka, Soludo emphasised that addressing security challenges requires collective responsibility and comprehensive action.
He revealed that 99 per cent of the criminals arrested in Anambra over the last two years were Igbo, with over 70 per cent being non-indigenes of the state, adding that the criminals flock to Anambra because of the large ransoms paid there.
He stated, “Today marks the 33rd month of our assumption of office, and it is quite appropriate that we address you today regarding the security situation in Anambra.
“Despite the unique challenges posed by self-acclaimed liberators and agitators, we are determined to tackle criminality and ensure Anambra is safe, livable, and prosperous for the people,” he said.
Soludo recounted that when he assumed office, eight local government areas (LGAs) were under the control of criminal groups, making it impossible to campaign during the governorship election.
He added, “Even one of the governorship candidates was kidnapped during the electioneering campaign and has not been seen till today.”
Within a year, Soludo’s administration had reclaimed these LGAs from criminal groups, but the governor noted that criminal elements had recently returned.
The governor said, “As a government, we value every life as sacred and will ensure that no life continues to be wasted. This time, we will triple our efforts, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“We are dealing with four major challenges: kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, toutism, and idolatry. Our security agencies are confronting these crimes in various ways, but we will double our efforts.
“Drugs are another epidemic in the state; everywhere you look in Anambra, they are being sold like groundnuts.”
Soludo announced that after January 25, the state will launch a special security initiative named “Operation Udo ga chi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), involving 163 branded vehicles deployed across the state for stop-and-search operations to ensure no stone is left unturned in ridding the state of criminals.
He added, “Ideally, some may consider this outdated, but given the type of criminal activities occurring in this region, everything must be thrown into the ring.
“Our security personnel will be backed by state-owned security technology to ensure they do not use it to extort people.
“We are also training forest guards to safeguard our forests in collaboration with our local vigilantes and local government authorities.
“We have extended an amnesty to these criminals to surrender themselves, and this window will remain open until the end of February.”
Regarding the issue of whether insecurity would end if the Federal Government releases the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Soludo said Kanu and IPOB have made several statements distancing themselves from criminal elements.