Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has offered amnesty to criminals operating in the state.
The governor gave a deadline of February 2025 for the criminals to surrender their arms.
He made the announcement on Tuesday at the Anambra State Governor’s Lodge during a press briefing.
Soludo said his government is launching a new security operation called ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’, which means “Let Peace Reign.”
He explained that the operation aims to tackle the growing insecurity in the state.
“We have identified armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and touting as the major causes of insecurity,” Soludo said.
He noted that his administration has already made progress in addressing these issues.
“When we assumed office, seven local government areas were under the control of hoodlums.
“We fought them head-on and liberated those communities,” he stated.
The governor, however, raised concerns that some criminals, who had earlier been dislodged, have regrouped.
“We have had reports of kidnappings, vehicles being snatched, and communities being terrorized once again,” Soludo said.
To address the problem, the governor announced the distribution of 168 patrol vehicles to various security agencies.
“Apart from the support we are giving to security agencies, we are also deploying ICT to combat insecurity,” he added.
The governor appealed to the criminals to embrace the amnesty programme and start afresh.
“We are calling on all criminal elements to come forward and surrender themselves and their arms.
“We are giving them from now until the end of February 2025 to take this opportunity,” Soludo declared.
He assured those who surrender that the government would help them rebuild their lives.
The governor also addressed claims that the insecurity in the state is tied to the continued detention of separatist leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Soludo dismissed the idea, describing the situation as an “organized criminal enterprise.”
He said, “I have been at the forefront of the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“I even offered to keep him here at the Government House and produce him whenever needed.”
Soludo stressed that criminals are only using Kanu’s detention as an excuse to commit crimes.
“The truth is that hordes of criminals have organized themselves and are using his name as a cover.
“Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these acts of kidnapping and ransom-taking.”
He explained that crime has become a lucrative business for some of the youths.
“Imagine someone who used to ride an okada and has never seen N100,000 in his life.
“Suddenly, he joins a kidnap gang, and they make millions from ransom.
“Do you think he would want to leave that business?” the governor asked.
He said the criminals are now beyond control, even for those they claim to support.
“They have tasted blood, and they will not stop.
“They pretend to be liberators, yet they hide in the bush and terrorize innocent people,” Soludo said.
The governor also condemned the use of shrines by criminals in their operations.
“The first thing they do when they enter a community is to build a massive shrine,” he lamented.
Soludo warned communities against harbouring criminals or providing them with food and support.
“Any community that harbours criminals will have their lands revoked.
“Also, any house found to shelter kidnappers will become the property of the government,” he declared.
He stressed that members of such communities who support criminals would be treated as collaborators.
Soludo’s administration has been actively addressing insecurity in Anambra State since he assumed office.
With the launch of ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’, the government hopes to restore peace across the state.
The governor called on all stakeholders, including security agencies and community leaders, to work together to end the menace of insecurity.
He urged youths to take advantage of the amnesty programme and shun crime.
“This is an opportunity to turn your life around.
“Take this chance now, because there will be no hiding place after February 2025,” Soludo warned.
