Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has unveiled a comprehensive security framework to combat rising criminal activities, introducing the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 and launching a special security operation code-named Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Peace Shall Prevail).
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during a ceremony to mark the initiative aimed at restoring law and order across the state.
Governor Soludo highlighted the urgent need for the new security architecture, emphasizing its importance in combating a range of criminal activities, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, and cultism, which he described as “hydra-headed challenges” facing the state.
He disclosed that over N10 trillion in ransom payments was estimated across Nigeria in 2024, which underscored the lucrative nature of these crimes.
According to him, the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 provides a legal framework for the establishment of a vigilante structure known as Agunechemba to complement federal security agencies.
He noted that this structure, operating at community, local government, and state levels, will integrate intelligence-driven strategies to ensure a robust and sustainable response to crime.
“We cannot allow the 0.01% of our society who are criminals to define the 99.99% of us,” Soludo stated.
Launching Operation Udo Ga-Achi, Soludo announced the deployment of 2,000 personnel drawn from the police, army, navy, civil defense, DSS, and vigilante groups, supported by 200 purpose-built vehicles, AI-powered surveillance cameras, and a state-of-the-art command-and-control system.
The initiative, he noted, also includes enhanced intelligence gathering, whistleblower incentives, and targeted task forces on drugs, cultism, and idolatry.
Soludo revealed that since taking office, his administration has recovered eight local governments from the grip of criminal gangs operating under the guise of separatist agitation.
He attributed the resurgence of criminal activity in some areas to the influx of criminal elements from outside Anambra State.
“About 70% of the criminals arrested are not from Anambra,” he noted.
The governor urged communities to take ownership of the security process by implementing the provisions of the new law.
“Communities must set up security governance structures immediately. We will begin paying monthly security grants to communities to augment their investments in security,” he announced.
He added that local government areas with zero violent crimes will receive a monthly bonus of N10 million.
Soludo also offered amnesty to criminals willing to surrender their arms and reintegrate into society.
“This window remains open until February 28, 2025. Those who refuse will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The governor also addressed the social and cultural underpinnings of crime in the region, citing the celebration of “magical wealth” and the resurgence of criminal idolatry as contributing factors.
He called on religious and traditional leaders to help reclaim the state’s moral compass through civic and social reformation campaigns.
To curb the drug epidemic, Soludo announced that any property used for drug-related activities would be forfeited to the state.
He also pledged to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to implement the National Drug Control Masterplan across all 21 local government areas.
He explained that special attention will be given to rebuilding security infrastructure, including police stations destroyed by criminals.
“In partnership with the federal government and patriotic Ndi Anambra, we will gradually rebuild the 28 divisional police offices that were burnt down,” Soludo said.
He also praised the contributions to the State Security Trust Fund, clergy, and community leaders, highlighting their roles in combating insecurity.
Governor Soludo urged citizens to actively participate in the security efforts, emphasizing that sustainable safety is a collective responsibility.
“Silence means complicity. Complaint is not enough. If you see or know something, say or do something!” he declared.
.