Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Saturday, January 18, 2025 launched a new special security operations under the banner “Udo Ga-Achị” and “Agunechemba” to tackle the rising insecurity situation in the state which has reached an all time high.
At a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Awka, he also enacted the Anambra Homeland Security Law, underscoring that security, law, and order are paramount for the state’s anticipated growth and development. Soludo expressed his unwavering commitment to confront the rampant insecurity plaguing Anambra, stating, “We must act decisively to eradicate this menace.”
In a bold move, the governor introduced a reward system offering N5 million for any information leading to the capture of kidnappers. He decried the rise of “lucrative criminality” masquerading as noble causes, emphasising the urgent need for collective action.
“The character and dynamics of criminality in the South-East, and indeed Nigeria, have evolved and become hydra-headed,” Soludo warned. “Our response must be thoughtful, deliberate, and comprehensive, incorporating both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.”
He further highlighted a statistic: the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that approximately N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom in 2024 alone. “For every Naira reported, there are an estimated 5 to 6 Naira that go unreported,” he noted, suggesting that total ransom payments could exceed N10 trillion this year if hidden figures are included. “Together, we must stand united to nip this insecurity in the bud.”
