To tackle insecurity in Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo, on Saturday, unveiled the Anambra Homeland Security Law and also launched the Special Security Operation code named Udi Ga-Achi.
The governor who promised that his government would pay a monthly bonus of N10 million to any of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) which records zero violent crimes, urged each community to design and execute its own “cleansing or restoration programme”.
He said: “Let’s begin the implementation of the Homeland Security Law immediately.
“We call on all communities (traditional rulers, president-generals, etc) to read the law and set up the relevant security governance structures urgently. We plan to start paying monthly security support/grant to communities to augment their investment in security.
“The mayors of respective local governments should also act urgently.
“We will work with the Commissioner of Police and DSS to identify the top 10 LGAs with 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.
“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.
“For whistleblowers, anyone that gives us credible information that leads to the arrest of any kidnapper/armed robber or information that leads to rounding up of criminals in a camp will be paid a bounty of any amount up to a maximum of N5 million (depending on the class of criminal).
“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 upscaling intelligence gathering, reward whistleblowers, enhance rapid response, and urgently root out the criminals from any/every camp in Anambra state.
“It will also have special task forces on drugs, touting, cultism, and criminal idolatry.
“We will ramp up our civic and social reformation, and we invite the clergy, communities, teachers, and social crusaders to join in this campaign.
“They will be active in all nooks and crannies of the state, with patrols and pin-down stop-and-search operations as necessary.
“Operation Udo Ga – Achi shall also be supported by the State’s recently established independent communication network which enables security personnel to communicate flawlessly using walkie talkies.
“We need people in the communities to give information to security agencies.
“Where you feel information given will be used against you, relay such information through our phone lines in Anambra State Call Centre.
“We will also be reviewing possible assistance to the existing Correctional Centres to expand their facilities and will embark on building the State’s Correctional centres.
“In partnership with the FGN, communities, patriotic Ndi Anambra and corporations, we intend to gradually re-build the 28 divisional police offices that were burnt down by the hoodlums.”
He added: “Before we conclude, let me reiterate our extension of hand of friendship and amnesty to kidnappers, cultists, drug dealers and other categories of criminals to surrender themselves, with their weapons and my government will ensure that they are rehabilitated and empowered to become productive citizens.
“All persons wishing to take advantage of this window should register at the Office of the Security Adviser to the Governor. This window remains open until February 28, 2025.
“Let me now thank all citizens and friends of Anambra State who have contributed to the State Security Trust Fund.
“I salute the courage of some clergy who have stood up to call out the systemic monster that is upon us.
“I want to also appreciate all those who devote their time, talent and resources to the security of their various communities. I salute particularly those from Ihiala local government.
“Currently, we have four FOBs stationed in various locations in Ihiala. There are ongoing clearance operations, and we are determined that the people of Ebonesie—Orsumoghu, Lilu, Isseke, Mbosi, etc and indeed the entire Ihiala local government must be totally liberated from these criminals.
“I must specially thank the FGN and the various security agencies for their commitment and support in this struggle to rid our state of organized armies of criminals.
“Security is our collective responsibility. Government alone cannot do it. Federal security agencies alone cannot do it.
“Sustainable security in our homeland requires full scale involvement of responsible citizenship.
“These criminals are our brothers, sisters, husbands, relations, friends, etc. They are not spirits. ”
