ANAMBRA HOMELAND SECURITY LAW 2025 TAKES EFFECT WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Michael Ezenwata
The “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” security network in Anambra State is now in full operation, following the signing of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
This joint security initiative, comprising a team of 2,000 crack personnel from the Army, Police, Navy, and other security agencies, along with the Agunaechemba Strike Force, will operate across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The goal is to restore peace and security to a state affected by criminal elements, largely consisting of non-Anambra hoodlums, many of whom are of Igbo extraction, according to credible statistics.
In an emotionally charged speech at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating criminality in the state. He urged communities to take ownership of their localities by helping the government with internal security efforts, including providing valuable information that could lead to the arrest of criminal suspects.
To incentivize cooperation, the governor announced a 5 million Naira reward for anyone who provides information leading to the capture of wanted criminals.
Governor Soludo singled out six communities in Ihiala LGA — Mbosi, Azia, Lilu, Isseke, Orsumoghu, and Ubuluisiuzor — for being particularly notorious, where the activities of criminals are most prevalent. He declared a full-scale war against these hoodlums to restore order and peace to the area.
The governor emphasized that his administration will use both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to combat criminality, offering a period of amnesty for criminals living in the bush. Those who surrender their arms before the end of February will be reintegrated into society.
In their separate remarks, the new state chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, along with several traditional rulers, expressed strong support for Governor Soludo’s bold security initiatives. Traditional rulers from Ihiala, Umuawulu, Abacha, and Umoba Anam, including Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, and Igwe George Ekwealor, all commended the governor’s decisive action.
Other traditional rulers, including Igwe Christopher Ndibe of Umuerum, Igwe Thomas Ogbonnaya of Owerre Ezukala, Igwe Clifford Okeke of Nawfija, and Igwe S.I. Chidubem of Umumbo, also praised the new security policy, calling it impactful.
Support for the governor’s initiative came from several other distinguished indigenes of Anambra, including Igwe Emmanuel Onyeneke of Ekwulobia, Igwe Maxi Oliobi of Nimo, Igwe Onwuamaeze Ezeani of Neni, Igwe Ofobike Ezeaka of Amichi, Igwe Prof. Charles Anikwenze of Awkuzu, Igwe Augustine Oragwam of Obeledu, and Igwe Nick Obi of Nnobi. Other supporters included Mr. Tony Ezenwaka, Chairman of the Anambra State Civil Service Commission, Comrade Chika Chukwudozie, Chairman of the Anambra State NUT, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission, Barrister Chike Oranye, and Associate Prof. Osita Umeononihu, a medical practitioner based in Awka.
This robust security initiative marks a new chapter in Anambra’s efforts to restore peace and prosperity, with high expectations from all sectors of society.