Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared amnesty for criminals in the state, giving them until the end of February 2025 to lay down their arms and surrender.
The governor also announced the launch of a major security operation to combat insecurity in the state, codenamed ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi,’ meaning Let Peace Reign.
Addressing journalists at the Anambra State Governor’s Lodge on Tuesday, Soludo identified armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and touting as the primary drivers of insecurity. He noted that while the State Anti-Touting Agency (SASA) has made significant progress in curbing touting in Onitsha, renewed reports of criminal activities, including kidnappings and vehicle snatchings, have necessitated stronger measures.
Soludo revealed that his administration has procured 168 patrol vehicles to enhance the capacity of security agencies. He further emphasized the deployment of ICT-based solutions to aid in surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The governor appealed to criminal elements to embrace the amnesty programme, pledging government support to help them reintegrate into society. He warned that those who refuse to surrender will face the full force of the law.
“We are calling on criminal elements who want to partake in our amnesty programme to come forward and surrender themselves and their arms. We are giving them until the end of February to come and we will be ready to help them start life afresh,” Soludo stated.
On the ongoing detention of separatist leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Soludo dismissed claims that insecurity in the state is linked to his incarceration. He clarified that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Kanu, has repeatedly disowned the violent activities taking place under the guise of agitation.
“I have been at the forefront of calling for Kanu’s release. However, the truth is that these crimes are now organized enterprises and have nothing to do with him. Even if he were released today and asked them to stop, they wouldn’t listen. These criminals have tasted blood and are making millions from kidnappings,” Soludo explained.
The governor further highlighted the lure of ransom-driven crime, pointing out how individuals who previously lived in poverty are now enticed by the sudden wealth that criminal activities offer. He also criticized the use of agitation rhetoric to gain public sympathy while operating from hideouts in the bush.
“They call themselves liberators, yet they stay in the bush and terrorize innocent people. Adding to the issue, they erect shrines wherever they go, spreading idolatry in our communities,” he added.
As part of the government’s renewed security strategy, Soludo warned that communities found to harbor criminals will face severe consequences. He stated that lands in such areas will be revoked, and individuals providing food, shelter, or financial support to criminals will be treated as collaborators.
“Any house found to have harbored kidnappers will henceforth be confiscated and become government property,” the governor declared.
Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Anambra State, stressing that the launch of ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’ marks a decisive step toward dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of citizens.
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