Criminals Were Occupying 8 LGAs In Anambra When I Took Over As Governor

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has recalled that he encountered a near-crisis situation at the beginning of his tenure, with eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state dominated by suspected criminal elements.

Naija News reports that the former banker shared this information during a press conference on Tuesday in Awka, commemorating his 33 months in office and outlining his initiatives to combat regional insecurity.

Soludo has highlighted that the primary security issues plaguing the state include kidnapping, armed robbery, cult activities, a drug crisis, and street touting.

He also expressed concern over the revival of criminal idolatry, which provides offenders with a feeling of invulnerability.

In response, he stated that the government is intensifying its efforts and plans to introduce a comprehensive security initiative named ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’ by the conclusion of January 2025.

Soludo reassured the public that despite the “distinct challenges posed by profitable criminal activities cloaked in misleading ideologies and propaganda,” his administration remains committed to transforming Anambra into the safest state in the nation.

“At the inception of our administration, we met almost a war situation with eight LGAs literally under total control of criminals.

“We responded massively when we came in, and among other things, set up a vigilance strike force that worked with federal security agencies to root out criminals from our forest.

“Within 12 months, we were able to recover those eight LGAs under siege. However, we noted that with time, all the criminal elements have returned to some of these locations.

“And there have been troubling reports of kidnapping for ransom with instances where lives were lost,” the Governor said.

He added: “We will be donating 163 vehicles to security agencies to ensure active patrol of the nooks and crannies of Anambra and install surveillance cameras to cover all major cities and forests used by criminals.

“We will have 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards in each community and work on changing the ideology where people see security agents as the enemy and the criminals as liberators.

“Government alone cannot do it, therefore, I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union leaders and civil society organisations to join the government to fight insecurity.

“Security is our collective responsibility. If you see something, say something by reporting crimes and criminals via the 5111 toll-free line.

“We are also making sure we have a secured Christmas celebration.”

The governor appreciated the Federal Government and service commanders for their efforts in securing residents in the state.