The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed skepticism about whether releasing the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, would resolve the escalating insecurity in the South-East.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Tuesday, Soludo argued that criminal elements had hijacked the Biafran agitation, using Kanu’s name to justify their illegal activities.
“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs,” Soludo stated. “They hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and they justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra. Let us be clear—this has nothing to do with any liberation movement. Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These people have tasted blood, and now, money is their motivation.”
According to Soludo, over 99 percent of those arrested for criminal activities in Anambra over the past two years were Igbo, with over 70 percent being non-indigenes of the state.
He added that these individuals had abandoned the core ideals of Biafra in pursuit of greed and lawlessness.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” the governor noted. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him because what they now pursue is wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?”
Soludo criticized the complicity of some communities, which he said were harboring and supporting these criminal elements.
He lamented that insecurity persisted partly because locals viewed criminals as heroes while treating security agencies as adversaries.
“Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” Soludo said. “It’s unfortunate that in some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when people see criminals as heroes and the police as the enemy?”
To combat the insecurity, the governor announced the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi (Operation Peace Shall Reign), a state-wide security initiative set to begin after January 25.
The program will deploy 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, integrate advanced surveillance technology, and reclaim forests through trained forest guards working with vigilantes and local government authorities.
“We are intensifying our security measures with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. I call on these criminals to embrace our amnesty window, which remains open until the end of February,” Soludo said.
Soludo urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and residents to take responsibility for their communities and cooperate with security agencies to restore peace.
“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively. If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters,” he declared.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their support, pledging his administration’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements and achieving lasting peace in the state.
