The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has raised concerns that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may not put an end to the escalating insecurity in the South-East region.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Soludo made it clear that he was skeptical about the impact Kanu’s release would have on the security situation.
The governor argued that criminals had taken over the Biafran agitation, using it as a cover to carry out illegal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
“These criminals are hiding behind the Biafran struggle to fuel insecurity,” Soludo stated. “They have turned the fight into a profitable venture—engaging in crimes, not liberation.”
According to Soludo, these criminal elements are motivated purely by greed and lawlessness, with no true connection to the original aim of Biafra’s independence.
He emphasized that the activities of these criminals were no longer about the pursuit of freedom for the people of the South-East but about personal gain.
“The so-called agitators have transformed into organised criminal gangs,” Soludo said. “They now hide in forests and kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, justifying their actions with the name of Biafra. This is not a liberation struggle, it is criminality.”
Soludo revealed that over 99 percent of criminals arrested in Anambra in the past two years were Igbo, with more than 70 percent being non-indigenes of the state.
He made it clear that these criminals were no longer aligned with Kanu or IPOB’s goals, stressing that even if Kanu were released, these criminals would not listen to him.
“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly distanced themselves from these criminals,” Soludo pointed out. “Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I don’t think these criminals will follow him because what they are after now is wealth, not freedom. They have become enemies of the people they claim to protect.”
Soludo’s remarks also addressed the role of some local communities in sustaining these criminals. He stated that some locals viewed the criminals as freedom fighters and the security agencies as adversaries.
“Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” the governor lamented. “In some communities, people contribute food to sustain these criminals hiding in the forests. How do you fight insecurity when criminals are seen as heroes, and the police as the enemy?”
This complicity, according to Soludo, was one of the reasons insecurity persists in the region.
In response to the growing crisis, the governor announced plans for a new security initiative, Operation Udo Ga Chi (Operation Peace Shall Reign). This operation, set to launch after January 25, will involve 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities and the integration of advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure the forests.
“We are intensifying our security measures with both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches,” Soludo explained. “We have trained forest guards to work with vigilantes and local authorities to reclaim our forests.”
He also urged criminals to take advantage of the state’s amnesty window, which remains open until the end of February.
“We call on these criminals to embrace peace,” Soludo added. “Anambra is opening a window for amnesty. We are giving them a chance to surrender and reintegrate into society.”
Soludo also called for collective action from the people of Anambra, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the fight against insecurity.
“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively,” Soludo urged. “If you see something, say something. We must take ownership of our communities and work together with security agencies.”
The governor expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing support in addressing the security challenges in Anambra.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring lasting peace and security.
“Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters,” Soludo concluded.