The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed doubts on Tuesday about the potential for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to end the ongoing insecurity in the South-East region. He argued that criminals had taken over the Biafran struggle, using Kanu's name and the movement’s cause to carry out organized crime and exacerbate insecurity in the region.
Soludo pointed out that under the guise of agitation, these individuals had shifted to what he called "lucrative criminality," engaging in activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry. He emphasized that these actions were not part of a legitimate liberation movement but were driven by greed and lawlessness.
During a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Soludo revealed that over 99 percent of criminals arrested in Anambra in the past two years were of Igbo descent, with more than 70 percent being non-indigenes of the state. He stated that the so-called agitators had turned into organized criminal gangs, hiding in forests and kidnapping innocent people for ransom while justifying their actions under the pretext of Biafra. Soludo insisted that these activities were unrelated to the original cause of liberation, explaining that the criminals were motivated by money, not the pursuit of freedom.
Soludo also doubted that Kanu's release would resolve the crisis, as the criminals had seemingly severed any ties to the original agitation. He pointed out that even if Kanu were released, these individuals might not follow him, as their new pursuit was wealth rather than liberation. He questioned the motives of those who kidnapped and killed their own people while claiming to fight for their freedom.
The governor further criticized the complicity of some local communities in supporting these criminals, noting that insecurity persisted because some viewed security agencies as the enemy and the criminals as liberators. He highlighted the troubling reality that in some areas, locals provided food and shelter to criminals hiding in forests. Soludo questioned how the region could effectively tackle insecurity when the perpetrators were seen as heroes by some.
To combat the situation, Soludo announced the launch of ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), a statewide security initiative set to begin after January 25. The operation would involve 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, as well as advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure the forests. Soludo mentioned that security efforts would include both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, and forest guards would work with vigilantes and local government authorities to reclaim the forests from criminal elements. He also urged criminals to take advantage of the amnesty offer, which remains open until the end of February.
Soludo called for collective action in tackling the insecurity crisis, urging religious leaders, traditional rulers, and residents to take ownership of their communities and collaborate with security agencies. He emphasized that insecurity must be confronted as a united front and encouraged people to report any suspicious activity. Soludo reiterated his commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Anambra, expressing gratitude to the federal government and security agencies for their support in the fight against crime.
