By Valentine Ozigbo
For several years, Anambra State has been grappling with significant insecurity, a challenge that has been prevalent across the South East. This has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with criminal activities such as kidnapping, targeted assassinations by unknown gunmen, and various forms of extortion, torture, and property dispossession becoming commonplace.
The state’s economy, which has traditionally been anchored in tourism, has suffered severely. Both investors and residents alike have been deterred by the rising levels of insecurity, leading to diminished economic activity. The resultant fear among the populace is not only exacerbating their daily challenges but is also causing widespread hunger and a sense of hopelessness. With little assurance of a safer future, the situation in Anambra continues to deteriorate.
In his recent visit to Enugu, President Tinubu made an insightful observation, praising the commendable security strides of Governors Mbah of Enugu State and Otti of Abia State. These governors, within a mere 2-3 months of taking office, were able to stamp out the ‘sit-at-home’ phenomenon and create an enabling environment for investors by providing robust security. This success story has had a positive ripple effect, fostering economic activity and instilling confidence among residents.
Regrettably, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who promised to eliminate the sit-at-home order and combat criminality within his first few months in office, has yet to achieve tangible results. His administration has faced significant challenges, and insecurity has worsened under his leadership. The Christmas season of 2024, for instance, witnessed an alarming surge in kidnappings and other criminal activities, a sharp contrast to the relative calm of previous years. This has further instilled fear in the people, leading many to reconsider traveling home during the upcoming festive seasons.
From the foregoing, it’s very clear that Governor Soludo’s campaign promise to make Anambra Dubai was just one of those deceits our people face from insincere leaders who play on their intelligence. Governor Soludo has not taken into consideration the security and welfare of the people of Anambra State which should be the primary responsibility of any government. Otherwise, our land cannot be turned into a den of criminals with no response from the state government.
The facts and figures of what is going on in the South East according the latest CLO report within 2015 to 2025 is heavenly alarming.
The CLO report details severe abuses in Eastern Nigeria (2015–2024) where even State actors, under the guise of fighting “IPOB/ESN/Biafra Terrorism,” killed over 32,300 civilians, detained and tortured thousands, destroyed properties worth ₦450 billion, and extorted over ₦3 trillion. Criminal gangs killed 14,500 people, abducted 65,000 (demanding ₦550 billion in ransoms), and caused ₦60 billion in property damages. Security forces operated with impunity, engaging in extortion, discrimination, and mislabeling civilians as terrorists.
Given the current state of affairs, it is crucial to outline a comprehensive strategy for eradicating criminality and restoring security in Anambra State. With the right opportunities, we believe that it is possible to significantly reduce insecurity within a short time frame.
Below is a proposed framework that could be implemented within three months to address these pressing concerns in some cases.
Proposed Approach to Addressing Insecurity in Anambra State
- Convening the Anambra State Security Summit
To effectively tackle the security challenges in Anambra, we would initiate a State Security Summit, with active participation from the people of Anambra (Ndi Anambra). This summit will serve as a platform for identifying the specific security threats facing the state, devising appropriate solutions, and mobilizing the necessary resources to combat them. Stakeholders will be encouraged to contribute their ideas and capital to build a sustainable security infrastructure, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the state’s safety. - Equipping and Supporting Security Agencies
We recognize the importance of adequately equipping our security agencies to enable them to effectively tackle criminal activities. The Police, local vigilante services, and other law enforcement agencies will be supported with state-of-the-art technology, logistical resources, and a robust reporting and monitoring system for all security-related incidents. This will include advanced surveillance systems, improved communication infrastructure, and better coordination between security agencies. Furthermore, a transparent system for tracking and documenting security incidents will be established, ensuring accountability and the effective allocation of resources. - Launching a Large-Scale Youth Empowerment Programme
A major contributing factor to the current security challenges is the lack of opportunities for the youth, many of whom are vulnerable to criminal influences. To counter this, we would launch a large-scale youth empowerment initiative aimed at reorienting and equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to thrive. This program will include vocational training and reorientation programs, with an initial investment of between N2 million and N3 million per individual. We aim to initially empower 10,000 youths, or approximately 40 youths per ward, scaling up to 50,000 within two years. This initiative will provide young people with an alternative to criminal activity, giving them a stake in their future and reducing their susceptibility to violence and extremism. - Establishing Robust Security Frameworks at the Community Level
We will work towards establishing a strong, community-based security architecture in every town and local government area of Anambra State. This will involve the creation of local security teams composed of both law enforcement officers and community members who are invested in their safety. These teams will be responsible for monitoring local security concerns, responding to incidents, and working closely with state authorities to ensure a rapid and effective response to emerging threats. By decentralizing security efforts and ensuring that every community is engaged in the process, we can create a more comprehensive and responsive security infrastructure. - Promoting an Anonymous Reporting System for Criminal Activity
To enhance intelligence gathering and facilitate the reporting of criminal activities, we will create platforms such as websites, mobile applications, and dedicated call centers for anonymous reporting of suspicious activities. These platforms will enable Ndi Anambra to actively participate in the fight against crime without fear of retribution. All reports will be carefully reviewed and investigated by a dedicated team of professionals. We will encourage the populace to embrace the ethos of “If You See Something, Say Something,” fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Annual reports detailing the successes and challenges of this initiative will be published to ensure that the public is kept informed and engaged in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
Additional Measures
In addition to the above, we will leverage undisclosed intelligence strategies and methodologies to ensure the effectiveness of our efforts. These may include covert operations, data-driven security measures, and collaborative efforts with regional and national security agencies. The goal is to ensure that Anambra is no longer seen as a haven for criminality and that both residents and visitors can feel safe and secure in the state.
We must also realize that we did not arrive at the juncture we’ve found ourselves in today by accident. Our penchant to make wrong choices during opportunities to elect leaders is directly responsible for the sad state of affairs in the state. When choosing leaders become transactional it then becomes difficult to make informed choices and when such leaders come aboard the results are often unpalatable. We must therefore eschew this trait and choose people who have the emotional intelligence and capacity to deliver and make maximum impact. Seek you first Ndi Ezigbo Mmadu in political leadership and all other things shall be added unto it.
Again, the fight against criminality should be holistic, with every segment of society putting in a shift. Institutions such as the Church and civil society groups have a major role to play, particularly when it comes to dealing with the warped ideology that fuels some of the criminality. Those under oath can be loosened and made to believe they have been loosened through appropriate spiritual interventions so that the intelligence can flow freely.
Conclusion
Addressing the security crisis in Anambra State requires a multi-faceted approach that involves the active participation of all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, communities, and individuals. By implementing these proposed measures, we are confident that we can bring about lasting change within a three-month timeframe, restoring peace, safety, and hope to the people of Anambra. Together, we can create an environment that fosters economic growth, social harmony, and prosperity for all.
alentine Ozigbo is Labour Party chieftain and frontline Governorship hopeful in Anambra State in the November 8, 2025 Governorship election