In a bold and comprehensive effort to restore peace and security in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo adopted a holistic approach to tackling the hydra-headed monster of insecurity. Deploying a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic measures, Soludo’s administration launched a multi-faceted strategy that combines military might with social and economic interventions, aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and providing a sustainable solution to the problem.
The governor is set to launch a statewide security initiative, “Operation Udo Ga Chi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign), aimed at tackling insecurity and making Anambra the safest state in Nigeria.
The operation, which translates to “Peace Must Reign,” will deploy personnel and vehicles branded with its insignia for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and real-time interventions across the state.
Operation Udo Ga Chi will involve the deployment of hundreds of security vehicles for improved surveillance and stop-and-search operations across the state. These vehicles will be equipped with state-of-the-art communication gadgets and will be manned by specially trained security personnel.
Efforts will also be made to bolster forest security through the specialized training of forest guards in collaboration with local vigilantes and government officials. This will help to prevent the use of forests as hideouts by criminals.
In addition, Governor Soludo has offered an amnesty window to repentant criminal elements in the state until the end of February 2025. This amnesty program is aimed at encouraging criminals to surrender their arms and renounce their criminal activities.
The state government will also launch a toll-free emergency line and expand its CCTV surveillance project to enhance security. This will enable residents to quickly report security incidents and will also provide real-time monitoring of the state.
Furthermore, the state government will revalidate and retrain the personnel of the Anambra Vigilante Group to enhance their efficiency in combating crime. This will help to ensure that the vigilante group is well-equipped to support the security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.
Governor Soludo has also revealed that 99% of arrested criminals in the state since he assumed office were of Igbo descent, with over 70% hailing from outside Anambra. He attributed the influx of criminals to the state’s economic prospects and urged residents to join hands in rejecting the warped ideology that portrays criminals as liberators.
The state government has also established a security trust fund to support the security agencies in the state. The fund will be used to provide logistics and equipment to the security agencies.
A special security task force has also been created to tackle the security challenges in the state. The task force will be composed of personnel from the various security agencies in the state.
The state government has also introduced community policing as a way of involving the community in security operations. This will help to build trust between the security agencies and the community.
In addition, the state government has established an intelligence gathering unit to gather information on security threats in the state. This will help to prevent security incidents and will also enable the security agencies to respond quickly to security incidents.
Since the announcement of Operation Udo Ga Chi, there has been a significant arrest of several high-profile criminals and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Governor Soludo’s administration has also launched several initiatives aimed at creating jobs and empowering youths with skills. These initiatives include the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), and the Anambra State Youth Empowerment Scheme (ASYES).
The Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) has disbursed over N500 million in loans to over 2,500 small business owners, creating over 5,000 jobs. The Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) has attracted over N20 billion in investments to the state, creating over 10,000 jobs in various sectors.
The Anambra State Youth Empowerment Scheme (ASYES) has provided training and financial support to over 10,000 youths. The state government has also established vocational training centers, ICT hubs, and apprenticeship programs to provide skills training to youths.
One of the notable initiatives of Governor Soludo’s administration is the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which aims to equip youths with two marketable skills to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship. The initiative has already commenced, with thousands of youths already benefiting from the program.
These initiatives have created over 25,000 jobs, empowered over 10,000 youths with skills, and attracted over N20 billion in investments to the state. By creating jobs and empowering youths with skills, Governor Soludo’s administration is addressing part of the root causes of insecurity in Anambra State, reducing the allure of crime and violence.
