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• Unveils 200 security vehicles
• Says N10 trillion paid as ransom in 2024
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka, Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has launched a new statewide security operation, dubbed “Operation Udo Ga-Achị,” aimed at combating crime and ensuring safety of residents.
Governor Soludo performed the operations yesterday at the International Convention Centre, Awka, where he also signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill into law and unveiled 200 vehicles for security agencies.
He expressed optimism that the new security outfit would dislodge criminals from the state.
“Today, we launch a special intervention force code named: ‘Operation Udo Ga-Achi’ which translates to ‘Operation Peace Shall Prevail.’ This special intervention, as an emergency action, complements regular policing by up-scaling intelligence gathering, rewards whistleblowers, enhances rapid response, and urgently roots out criminals from any/every camp in Anambra State.
The governor emphasised that the operation was a response to the growing concerns regarding public safety and crime which had shown a notable increase in certain areas.
He revealed that he was pushed to establish the outfit bearing in mind that over N10 trillion might have been paid as ransom across the country last year.
“The NBS reported that about N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom in 2024. We estimate that for every one naira reported, there were probably about 5-6 naira not reported (amounting to more than N10 trillion in ransom payment in 2024. No sector of the economy, with little capital investment could muster that kind of revenue/return).”
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The governor also revealed that his administration was investing heavily in logistical support, with the vehicles made fit-for-purpose to aid operations of security agencies, promising that many more would be procured soon.
He stated that apart from mainstreaming technology, a special force of 2,000 personnel drawn from the Police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, DSS, Agunechemba, among others had been set up, while a best-in-class tracking system emplacing a command-and-control system which enhances the use of voice, video and data in security management, and AI-powered surveillance cameras would be deployed.
He said that Operation Udo Ga-Achị would also be supported by the state’s recently-established independent communication network which enables security personnel to communicate flawlessly using walkie talkies.
He noted that security, law and order remain pivotal to the attainment of his vision of a livable and prosperous homeland.
Soludo urged the citizens to remain vigilant and participate in local safety programmes in order to transform the state into a model for security and trust.
“We will not only ramp up our civic and social reformation campaigns, but also seriously reward and celebrate those who distinguish themselves in the virtues that define us.
“A society ultimately becomes what it celebrates. We cannot allow the 0.01% of our society who are criminals to define the 99.99% of us. Ndi Anambra are known for enterprise and excellence, and we must completely take back our homeland.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnaghe Obono Itam, who spoke on behalf of other Service Commanders and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi (rtd), assured of their commitment to making Anambra communities safer through collaboration and innovation.
