The release of Nnamdi Kanu may not put an end to insecurity in the southeast – Soludo
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State stated that releasing Nnamdi Kanu might not resolve the increasing insecurity in the Southeast of Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Amawbia, he explained that criminals have started exploiting the Biafran cause to justify their illegal activities.
Soludo pointed out that these individuals, who claim to be fighting for a cause, are actually engaging in crimes like robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idol worship for personal gain. He emphasized that their actions have nothing to do with the true liberation movement, and are instead driven by greed and lawlessness.
He also shared that more than 99% of criminals arrested in Anambra in the last two years were from the Igbo ethnic group, with over 70% of them being non-indigenous to the state.
Soludo further stated that these so-called agitators have evolved into organized crime groups. They operate in forests, kidnapping people for ransom, and use the Biafra cause as a cover for their crimes. He argued that even if Nnamdi Kanu were released, these criminals would not follow him because their focus is on making money, not fighting for liberation. He also criticized the criminals for harming the very people they claim to protect.
The governor noted that some communities even provide food for these criminals hiding in the forests, making it harder to combat insecurity when locals view criminals as heroes and law enforcement as enemies.
To address the situation, Soludo announced a new security initiative called ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign), which will begin after January 25. The operation will involve 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities and advanced surveillance technology to monitor criminals and secure forests. Soludo emphasized that the state is increasing security efforts through both military and community-based approaches, and called on criminals to accept amnesty, which is available until the end of February.
