Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Release May Not End South-East Insecurity – Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed skepticism that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would bring an end to the widespread insecurity plaguing the South-East region. Speaking during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Tuesday, Soludo asserted that criminals had hijacked the Biafran struggle, using Kanu’s name as a cover to engage in organized crime.

The governor emphasized that under the guise of agitation, these individuals had turned to what he described as “lucrative criminality,” including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry. He stressed that their actions were driven by greed and lawlessness rather than any genuine commitment to the liberation struggle.

Soludo revealed that over 99% of criminals arrested in Anambra over the past two years were Igbo, with more than 70% of them being non-indigenes of the state. He lamented the activities of these so-called agitators, whom he described as organized criminal gangs hiding in forests, kidnapping citizens for ransom, and committing atrocities under the pretense of fighting for Biafra.

“These criminals have nothing to do with any liberation movement,” Soludo stated. “They are driven purely by the pursuit of money. Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released today, I doubt they would listen to him. Their actions are no longer about liberation but about enriching themselves through crime. They have become enemies of the very people they claim to protect.”

The governor highlighted how IPOB and Kanu have repeatedly disassociated themselves from the criminal activities of these groups. He questioned the rationale behind the violence, noting that the victims were often members of the same communities the agitators claimed to represent.

Soludo also criticized the complicity of some locals in shielding these criminals, revealing that in certain communities, residents even contributed food to sustain the criminals hiding in forests. He said such actions undermine efforts to combat insecurity, as some people see these criminals as heroes while viewing security agencies as adversaries.

To address the issue, Soludo announced plans to launch a comprehensive security initiative, “Operation Udo Ga Chi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), which will commence after January 25. The operation will deploy 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities and utilize advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure forests. He further disclosed that trained forest guards would work alongside vigilantes and local government authorities to reclaim the forests.

The governor called on the criminals to take advantage of the state’s amnesty program, which will remain open until the end of February. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to collaborate with security agencies, stressing that collective action is vital to defeating insecurity.

“Insecurity is a monster that must be confronted collectively,” Soludo declared. “If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters.”

Soludo also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and security agencies for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from the state to ensure lasting peace and security.