Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that freeing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would not resolve the worsening insecurity in the southeast region.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Soludo argued that the original Biafra agitation had been hijacked by criminal elements exploiting Kanu’s name to perpetrate organized crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.
His words: “The so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs,”
“These criminals hide in forests, kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, and claim to act in the name of Biafra. Let’s be clear—this is not about liberation but money and bloodshed.”
Soludo stressed that the insecurity in the region has grown beyond Kanu’s influence, as many criminals no longer heed his directives.
While acknowledging IPOB’s repeated dissociation from the violent groups, he said the current wave of crime has nothing to do with any genuine liberation movement.
“Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I’m not certain these criminals would listen to him. They’ve become enemies of the people they claim to protect,” he added.
The governor further revealed that over 99% of criminals arrested in Anambra in the past two years were Igbo, with a significant number being non-indigenes of the state.
He criticized the complicity of some locals in shielding the criminals, noting that some communities even provide food and support to those hiding in forests.
In response to the security challenges, Soludo announced the launch of a new initiative, ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign).
He said the initiative will include advanced surveillance technology, the deployment of 163 vehicles for stop-and-search operations, and forest guards collaborating with local vigilantes.
He called on communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to unite in combating crime and urged residents to embrace the amnesty program offered by his administration, which remains open until the end of February.
“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively. Anambra will no longer be a safe haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters,” he declared.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and security agencies for their support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Anambra a secure and progressive state.
