Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has signed the Anambra Homeland Security Law and unveiled two new special security operations, “Udo Ga-Achị” and “Agunechemba,” in a determined bid to tackle insecurity and foster a safer state.
During the launch event at the International Convention Centre in Awka on Saturday, Soludo emphasized that security, law, and order are essential to achieving the vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland.
He decried the rise of “lucrative criminality” disguised as liberation struggles and promised a robust response to protect Anambra residents.
Soludo described the initiative as a comprehensive revolution targeting criminal activities such as armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and idolatry.
He noted that a N5 million reward has been set aside for individuals providing information leading to the arrest of kidnappers, underlining the administration’s zero tolerance for crime.
“These new measures mark a turning point,” Soludo said. “Today, we launch the Anambra Homeland Security Law and the special operations ‘Udo-ga-chi’ and ‘Agunechemba.’ These efforts symbolize our commitment to securing a safer Anambra.”
The governor also inaugurated the State Traditional Rulers Council, urging traditional leaders to play pivotal roles in the fight against crime.
Reflecting on past and current trends, Soludo recounted how criminality has evolved in the region.
He recalled personal experiences and historical events, including the kidnapping of prominent figures and his father in 2009, as examples of the persistent challenges faced by the state.
“Criminal gangs operating under the guise of separatist movements have exacerbated insecurity,” he said. “These groups attack security personnel, burn down stations, and extort communities while propagating deceptive ideologies.”
The operations “Udo-ga-chi” and “Agunechemba” will deploy over 2,000 personnel from the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies to tackle crime hotspots. Soludo highlighted that most arrested criminals are Igbos from outside Anambra, drawn to the state due to its economic prospects.
He encouraged the perpetrators to surrender their arms and take advantage of an amnesty program available until the end of February.
Governor Soludo appealed to Anambra residents to collaborate with the government, stressing that community involvement is key to sustainable security.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We must all play our part in rooting out crime from our communities. Together, we will make Anambra the safest state in Nigeria.”
The launch of these initiatives reflects Anambra’s proactive stance against insecurity, promising a safer and more prosperous future for its residents.