Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has disclosed that his administration inherited a dire security crisis, with eight Local Government Areas completely overrun by criminals at its inception. Speaking during a press conference in Awka to mark his 33rd month in office, Soludo detailed his efforts to reclaim these territories and tackle insecurity across the state.
“At the inception of our administration, we met almost a war situation, with eight LGAs literally under total control of criminals,” he said. “We responded massively, setting up a vigilance strike force in collaboration with federal security agencies to clear criminals from our forests. Within 12 months, we recovered those areas under siege.”
Despite early successes, Soludo acknowledged a resurgence of criminal activities in some areas, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related crimes. He also highlighted the troubling influence of criminal idolatry, which he said emboldens perpetrators with a false sense of invisibility.
To combat these challenges, the governor announced a new security strategy, “Operation Udo Ga Achi” (Peace Shall Reign), set to launch by January 2025. The initiative will include deploying 163 vehicles for security patrols, installing surveillance cameras in major cities and forests, and assigning 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards to each community.
“We are committed to changing the narrative where criminals are seen as liberators and security agents as enemies,” Soludo stated. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, town unions, and civil society to partner with the government in fighting insecurity, emphasizing that “security is our collective responsibility.”
The governor also urged residents to report suspicious activities through the 5111 toll-free line and assured them of a secure festive season. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and service commanders for their support in improving the security situation in Anambra.
The comprehensive approach aims to not only address immediate threats but also rebuild trust in security efforts and ensure lasting peace across the state.
