Soludo: Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Won’t End South-East Insecurity

Will Nnamdi Kanu’s Release End South-East Insecurity? Soludo Doubts

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has cast doubt on whether releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would bring an end to the persistent insecurity in the South-East region. Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing in Amawbia, the governor highlighted how criminal elements have exploited the Biafran agitation to fuel organized crime and destabilize the region.

Criminals Exploiting the Biafran Struggle

Governor Soludo noted that what began as a call for liberation has been hijacked by criminals engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other unlawful activities. He described these actions as “lucrative criminality,” emphasizing that they have no connection to the original Biafran struggle.

“These so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs,” Soludo stated. “They hide in forests, kidnap innocent citizens for ransom, and justify their actions under the pretext of Biafra. But make no mistake—this is driven by greed, not a genuine liberation effort.”

Doubts Over Kanu’s Influence on Criminal Gangs

Soludo expressed skepticism about whether Nnamdi Kanu’s release could influence the criminals operating in the region. According to him, many of these groups no longer align with IPOB’s ideology and have shifted focus to amassing wealth through crime.

“Kanu and IPOB have repeatedly dissociated themselves from these criminals,” Soludo said. “Even if Kanu is released today, these criminals are unlikely to listen because they are motivated by greed, not liberation. They’ve become enemies of the people they claim to protect.”

Alarming Statistics and Community Complicity

The governor revealed that over the past two years, more than 99% of the criminals arrested in Anambra were Igbo, with over 70% being non-indigenes of the state. He also criticized some communities for aiding these criminals by providing them with food and shelter while viewing security agencies as adversaries.

“Our people know these criminals—they’re our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” Soludo lamented. “In some communities, locals sustain them, which makes fighting insecurity even harder. How do you defeat crime when criminals are seen as heroes and security operatives as enemies?”

Operation Udo Ga Chi: Anambra’s New Security Initiative

To combat rising insecurity, Soludo announced a state-wide security initiative called ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), set to launch after January 25. The program will include:

Deployment of 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search operations.
Advanced surveillance technology to track criminals and secure forests.
Collaboration between trained forest guards, vigilantes, and local governments.

The governor also extended an olive branch to criminals, urging them to embrace the ongoing amnesty program, which is available until the end of February.

Call for Collective Responsibility

Soludo stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective action. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and residents to take charge of their communities and cooperate with security agencies.

“Insecurity is a monster we must confront together,” Soludo stated. “If you see something, say something. Anambra will no longer be a haven for criminals hiding under the guise of freedom fighting.”

Appreciation for Federal Support

He thanked the Federal Government and security agencies for their assistance in combating crime in the state, reiterating his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in Anambra.