In a bold and unprecedented move, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has thrown down the gauntlet to local governments, communities, and individuals to take ownership of the fight against crime. Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, the governor announced a sweeping initiative aimed at fostering a crime-free society anchored on the newly enacted Homeland Security Law.
“Let’s begin the implementation of the Homeland Security law immediately,” Soludo declared. “We call on all communities—traditional rulers, president-generals, and others—to read the law and set up the relevant security governance structures urgently.”
The governor disclosed plans to pay monthly security support grants to communities to bolster their investments in security. In a bid to energize local government areas (LGAs), he tasked the Mayors of respective LGAs to act promptly, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
“We will work with the Commissioner of Police and DSS to identify the top 10 LGAs with a history of violent crimes. As communicated to the DPOs and Area Commanders, we will pay a monthly bonus of N10 million for every month that any of these LGAs records zero violent crimes,” he announced.
Soludo further revealed a robust incentive system for communities and individuals. “We will map out communities and also design a reward system. In the meantime, we encourage each community to design and execute its own ‘cleansing or restoration programme’. A partnership of the church and traditional institutions/town unions might aid the process,” he added.
For whistleblowers, the governor announced an attractive bounty system to encourage the public to provide credible information about criminal activities. “Anyone that gives us credible information leading to the arrest of any kidnapper or armed robber, or information that leads to rounding up of criminals in a camp, will be paid a bounty of up to N5 million, depending on the class of criminal,” he said.
The initiative is seen as a game-changer in tackling insecurity in the state. Soludo expressed optimism that communities would rise to the challenge and foster partnerships to secure their environments.
“We must work together to build a safe, secure, and prosperous Anambra. This is a call to action for every stakeholder in our state,” he concluded.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussions across the state, with many communities already strategizing to win the rewards and contribute to the vision of a crime-free Anambra.
