Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has launched a new security operation to curb kidnappings, killings, car snatchings, and other crimes. The governor hopes “Operation Udo Ga Achi,” meaning “peace shall reign,” will restore peace and security in the state.
Soludo announced a reward of up to ₦5 million for whistleblowers who provided information leading to the arrest of kidnappers. He also unveiled a new security agency, “Agunechemba“, comprising over 2,000 operatives from various security agencies.
Earlier in the day, Soludo disbursed about 200 vehicles to various security agencies to strengthen their operations. Speaking at the International Convention Center in Awka, he said, “We have come to launch an operation that will secure us. First was the passage of the Anambra Homeland Security Laws, which was done just two days ago. The bill has passed into law and has become operational.“
Last night, Soludo met with ALL the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Anambra State. Pledged 10million Naira to any Division with zero violent crime rate monthly. pic.twitter.com/dcUE3xJJ9A
— Anambra State New Media (@AnambraNewMedia) January 18, 2025
Soludo emphasized the state’s commitment to fighting criminality, despite its lucrative nature. “Kidnapping is not new. My father was kidnapped in 2009, and many others have fallen victim too. Before I assumed office, about eight local government areas were controlled by gunmen. They killed policemen, collected guns, attacked and burnt down police stations, and went into the bush to label themselves liberators.“
He added, “We came in and went to work, clearing them out and recovering the eight local government areas that were under siege. These gangs claim to be Biafra freedom fighters. IPOB has dissociated themselves from it, but one Simon Ekpa has continued kidnapping for ransom.“
Soludo said that kidnapping for ransom has become a profitable activity, stating, “Kidnapping for ransom is now the most lucrative enterprise, even more lucrative than drugs and oil. For every naira reported as payment for ransom, five to six naira was not reported. With a culture that celebrates wealth without craft, even the kidnappers amongst us are now celebrated. Idolatry, which these criminals have converted to, has become the fastest-growing religion in the South-East. Nothing is sacred to them anymore.“
The governor assured that the state would pay whistleblowers who provide information leading to the arrest of kidnappers. “We will review the extent of the usefulness of the information, and whistleblowers can get as much as ₦5 million,” he said.
Soludo clarified that the criminal activities were not linked to the Biafran struggle or politics but were purely for financial gain. He added that security agencies are doing their best, and he is committed to providing logistical support and declaring full war if necessary.
“We need to strengthen security forces with logistical capability, social reengineering, and citizen support. We can’t defeat this warped system with guns alone, so we are deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” Soludo said.
He announced plans to acquire more vehicles, deploy surveillance cameras, and rebuild 28 divisional police stations burnt down by hoodlums. Soludo named certain communities like Lilu, Mbosi, and Isseke as notorious for criminal activities. “Tell them we are coming, even if it means declaring the area a war zone. We are ready to fight, and they will give way,” he declared.
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