In a decisive move to curb rising insecurity in Anambra State, the police command, in collaboration with other security forces, has eliminated over 100 criminals in a series of coordinated raids under the security operation codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Enaghe Obono Itam, made this revelation during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Amawbia, near Awka. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the state’s battle against violent crime, particularly in areas notorious for criminal hideouts.
Raids and Criminal Camps Destroyed
According to CP Itam, security operatives dismantled several criminal strongholds in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru, and other locations across the state.
“We have neutralized more than one hundred (100) notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps,” he declared. The operation, he explained, was launched in response to the increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and violent attacks on security personnel in the region.
Among the major breakthroughs was the successful arrest of Chidiebere Nwosu, a suspected kidnapper linked to multiple abductions and the deadly attack on a police Rapid Response Squad. Nwosu was captured in Uruagu, Nnewi, during a high-stakes operation on October 3, 2024. Several of his gang members were also neutralized in the process, police reports confirm.
Crackdown on Hon Azuka’s Killers
One of the most shocking recent crimes in Anambra was the abduction and subsequent murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a sitting member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1. Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, sending shockwaves across the state.
After weeks of intense investigation, police operatives, working alongside Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG), uncovered his lifeless body at the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
“This serious incident motivated the Command to go the extra mile in intelligence gathering and discreet investigation,” CP Itam stated.
On the same day his body was discovered, security forces arrested nine suspects directly involved in the crime.
“The arrested suspects include Ugochukwu Onuorah (30), Ikemefuna Ossai (20), Ikenna Orugu (27), Chibuike Obiefuna (19), Chinonso Olisa (19), Chinedu Okoli (21), and David Ojini (25),” Itam disclosed. He added that a key suspect, Peter Sunday, 20, had a prominent tattoo on his chest that read: No peace 4 d Government.
During the operation, police recovered two pump-action guns, while one suspect sustained a gunshot wound in a shootout with security operatives.
A Coordinated Effort Against Crime
The police commissioner credited the recent successes to the combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups, and intelligence agencies. He also acknowledged the crucial support of Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in providing logistical backing and strategic guidance.
“Crime fighting requires a collective effort. The synergy between the police and local security outfits has proven highly effective in flushing out these criminal elements,” CP Itam remarked.
The police command has intensified patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid response measures to maintain the momentum of Operation Udo Ga Achi. Security analysts suggest that while the latest crackdowns are commendable, sustained efforts will be needed to prevent criminal elements from regrouping.
Anambra’s Growing Security Concerns
Anambra State has faced a surge in violent crime in recent years, particularly with the rise of gunmen attacks linked to separatist movements and criminal syndicates. Kidnappings for ransom, politically motivated assassinations, and armed robberies have placed immense pressure on security agencies.
Authorities have repeatedly accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of fueling unrest in the region. However, IPOB has consistently denied involvement in criminal activities, insisting that it is a non-violent movement advocating for self-determination.
Security experts argue that the proliferation of illegal firearms, coupled with economic hardship and political instability, has emboldened criminal groups. Many of the gunmen operate from hidden camps in the forests and riverine areas, making it difficult for security agencies to root them out completely.
Public Reactions and Call for Sustained Action
Following the police announcement, reactions from Anambra residents have been mixed. While some have praised the security forces for their decisive action, others have expressed concerns over potential human rights violations in the fight against crime.
Community leaders and civil society organizations have urged the government to complement military-style crackdowns with long-term socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of crime.
“While we commend the police for restoring some level of order, we must also ensure that innocent people are not caught in the crossfire. The government should invest in job creation and education to prevent our youths from joining criminal gangs,” said Chief Emeka Nwankwo, a local leader in Onitsha.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has assured the public that operations will continue until the state is completely rid of criminal elements. “We will not relent in our efforts to make Anambra a safe place for law-abiding citizens,” CP Itam vowed.
Looking Ahead: Can Security Gains Be Sustained?
While Operation Udo Ga Achi has dealt a heavy blow to criminal networks in Anambra, the bigger challenge remains preventing their resurgence. Experts warn that if underlying issues such as unemployment, poor governance, and weak judicial enforcement are not addressed, criminality could continue to thrive in different forms.
For now, Anambra residents will be watching closely to see if the recent victories in the war against crime translate into lasting peace and security in the state.
