ERNIE ONWUMERE
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
In a bold move to reclaim Anambra State from the grip of criminality, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has unveiled the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 and launched a special security operation dubbed “Udo Ga-Achị” (Operation Peace Shall Prevail). This comprehensive approach aims to tackle the hydra-headed challenges of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related crimes that have plagued the state.
At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of Agunechemba, a new vigilante architecture that will work with federal security forces to root out criminals from the state’s forests and remote areas. This community-led approach recognizes that most cases of insecurity are local and require the active participation of citizens in the sustainable security and social re-engineering of their homeland.
Professor Soludo’s administration has demonstrated a bold approach to tackling the challenges facing Anambra State. The three-prong strategy to recover the state from non-state actors, which includes Brut, Intelligence, and Rehabilitation, is a comprehensive plan to address the issues of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and drug-related crimes.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy
The Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 provides a framework for community ownership and participation in security, strengthening the legal framework and institutional organization. The law requires the forfeiture of properties used for manufacturing, using, or selling hard drugs to the state government.
In addition to Agunechemba, the state government has also launched “Operation Udo Ga-Achị”, a special intervention force that will upscale intelligence gathering, reward whistleblowers, and enhance rapid response. This operation will have special task forces on drugs, touting, cultism, and criminal idolatry.
Investing in Technology and Logistical Support
To support these initiatives, the state government is investing heavily in technology, including a best-in-class tracking system, a command-and-control system, and AI-powered surveillance cameras. A state call center has also been established with toll-free lines (5111) and supported by Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) toll-free line 112.
Furthermore, the state government has unveiled 200 vehicles made fit for purpose to aid operations, with many more to be procured soon. A special force of 2,000 personnel, comprising Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defense, DSS, Agunechemba, and other special forces, will be deployed to support the operation.
Call to Action
Governor Soludo has called on all citizens and stakeholders to join in the fight against criminality. He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that requires the full-scale involvement of responsible citizenship. The governor has also extended an olive branch to kidnappers, cultists, and drug dealers, offering them amnesty and rehabilitation if they surrender their arms and renounce their criminal activities.
Funding and reward
To support this effort, the state government has allocated funds for various initiatives, including:
Community Support: Monthly grants to town unions to support their efforts in maintaining security and order.
Reward System: A reward of N5 million for useful information leading to the discovery of gangs and their hideouts.
Police Incentives: A monthly reward of N10 million to Police Divisions that record no violent crimes.
Rehabilitation Program: Repented gangs who voluntarily resign will be rehabilitated and empowered to begin a new life.
These initiatives demonstrate the state government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of criminality and promoting a safer and more prosperous Anambra State. As highlighted in Governor Soludo’s 2025 budget speech, “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins”, the administration is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people, despite the challenges posed by the current economic situation.
The governor encourages the people to be firm and support the government “The challenges we face are real, and the criminals we are up against are ruthless. This is a marathon race and not a sprint . I foresee a resistance and attack of soft targets in the early stage of this campaign. But we will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred. We will fight for our homeland, and we will win”. We don’t expect them to give up a lucrative business that Nigerians paid a whopping N2.23trillion to kidnappers and bandits as ransom in 12 months between May 2023 and April 2024 as stated by Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
As Anambra State embarks on this new journey, it is clear that the days of criminality are numbered. With the collective efforts of citizens, stakeholders, and the state government, Anambra will rise again, stronger and more prosperous than ever.
NDI ANAMBRA, AGỤNECHEMBA IS BORN AND UDO GA-ACHỊ.
