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In a bold move to tackle the rising insecurity in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has unveiled the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 and launched a 2000-strong special security operation code-named, “Udo Ga-Achị”
Speaking during the launching, the governor noted that security, law and order remained pivotal to the attainment of his vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland, adding that the massive revolution by his administration in all sectors must be cemented with a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality.
He said that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, his administration is determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria.
The governor revealed that the character and dynamics of criminality in the Southeast and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed, and so the response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda.
Soludo observed that kidnapping for ransom is not new, recalling that his 78-year-old father was kidnapped in 2009 and spent 15 days with his abductors in the bush.
He stated that the new law establishes a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality, while the special operation aims to upscale intelligence gathering, reward whistleblowers, and enhance rapid response to root out criminals from the state.
He also explained that the law provides a framework for community/citizens ownership and participation in the sustainable security and social re-engineering of the homeland.
The governor announced the establishment of Agunechemba, a new vigilante architecture at the community and local government levels, which underscores that most cases of insecurity are local.
He said that the Operation Udo Ga-Achị special intervention force has 2,000 personnel, consisting of the police, army, navy, civil defence, DSS, and Agunechemba, to root out criminals from the state.
The governor revealed that his administration is investing heavily in logistical support, with 200 vehicles made available to aid operations, and many more to be procured soon.
He also announced the deployment of technology, including best-in-class Tracking System, Command-and-Control system, and AI-powered surveillance cameras, to enhance security management.
Also, a reward system has also been put in place, with a bounty of up to N5 million to be paid to whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the arrest of kidnappers, armed robbers, or the rounding up of criminals in camps.
The governor also extended an offer of amnesty to kidnappers, cultists, drug dealers, and other categories of criminals, calling on them to surrender themselves, with their weapons, and be rehabilitated and empowered to become productive citizens.
The governor emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and called on all citizens, communities, and stakeholders to join forces to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state.
He noted that the criminals are not spirits, but human beings who live among the people, and that it is the responsibility of everyone to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The governor also announced plans to review possible assistance to the existing Correctional Centres to expand their facilities and to embark on building the State’s Correctional centres.
He also revealed plans to partner with the federal government, communities, patriotic Ndi Anambra, and corporations to gradually re-build the 28 divisional police offices that were burnt down by hoodlums.
The governor called on all communities, traditional rulers, president-generals, clergy, and civil society organizations to join in deconstructing the dangerous narratives that legitimize criminality.
He emphasized that collective action is necessary to guarantee sustainable success and called on every resident or citizen of Anambra to ask themselves what they have done every day to enhance security and prosperity in the homeland.
The governor warned that the next few months will be turbulent, as the criminals will seek to strike at soft targets to test the will of the government.
He assured that his administration is determined to take the criminals head-on and quadruple their efforts in security. He called on the people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Pascal Arogorn Ibe
