Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has unveiled plans to launch a statewide security initiative, Operation Udo Ga Chi (Operation Peace Shall Reign), which is set to commence after January 25. Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Soludo highlighted the alarming involvement of Igbos in criminal activities within the state, revealing that over 99% of arrested criminals in the past two years were of Igbo origin, with more than 70% being non-indigenes of Anambra.

The governor, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, criticized how the Biafran struggle has been hijacked by criminal elements, transforming it into an excuse for organized crime in the South-East. He lamented that the movement has morphed into a “lucrative criminal enterprise,” where Kanu's name is being exploited to justify heinous acts such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism.

“The so-called agitators have become organized criminal gangs,” Soludo stated. “They hide in forests, kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, and use Biafra as a facade. This is not about liberation; it’s pure criminality driven by money and bloodlust.”

Soludo expressed skepticism that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained IPOB leader, would resolve the crisis. According to him, the criminals no longer align with the original goals of the agitation.

“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly disassociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo noted. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I doubt they would listen to him because their focus has shifted to wealth, not liberation. They have become enemies of the very people they claim to protect. Who are they fighting for when they kidnap, terrorize, and kill their own people?”

The governor also pointed to local complicity in sustaining insecurity. He criticized some communities for shielding these criminals and providing them with resources, perpetuating a narrative where security agencies are seen as adversaries and criminals as liberators.

“Our people know these criminals; they are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” he said. “In some communities, locals contribute food and shelter to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How can we combat insecurity when criminals are glorified, and law enforcement is vilified?”

To address the security challenges, Soludo announced the deployment of Operation Udo Ga Chi, which will feature 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search operations and advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure forests. The initiative will also involve trained forest guards working in collaboration with vigilantes and local government authorities to reclaim forested areas.

“We are adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to intensify our security measures,” Soludo said. “I urge these criminals to take advantage of our amnesty program, which remains open until the end of February.”

Soludo called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents to take responsibility for their communities by cooperating with security agencies and rejecting criminality.

“Insecurity is a monster that must be fought collectively,” the governor emphasized. “If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a safe haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.”

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