MARCEL MBAMALUAnambra State has been grappling with a surge in violent crimes, including kidnappings and targeted killings, leaving residents on edge. Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has been working to address these security challenges through strategic policies and initiatives, including the launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achị”, a special task force aimed at enhancing intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms.
Despite these efforts, the recent replacement of the Commissioner of Police has raised questions about the impact of such changes on ongoing security measures. The new Commissioner, Livingston Ikioye Urutuku, takes the reins amid rising insecurity concerns and follows the transfer of his predecessor, Nnaghe Obono Itam, who had achieved notable successes in combating crime. Itam, it was gathered, will actually be going on training.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe timing of this change has sparked concerns among residents, who wonder why the transfer occurred just as gains were being made in the fight against insecurity. As the new Commissioner settles into his role, he will need to collaborate with Governor Soludo’s administration to build on existing initiatives and address the underlying causes of insecurity in Anambra State.
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The success of these efforts will depend on the ability of the new Commissioner to work effectively with the state government and local communities to enhance trust and coordination between law enforcement and residents. With the right approach, Anambra State can make significant strides in combating insecurity and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Rising Insecurity in Anambra
As insecurity climaxed in Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo recognises this as a major challenge. Recent incidents include significant kidnappings and killings. Notably, retired Anglican Archbishop Godwin Okpala was kidnapped on 6 December 2024. He resurfaced on 2 January 2025. Additionally, a Catholic priest was killed on 26 December at Ihiala. Labour Party Lawmaker in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, was kidnapped on 24 December and later found dead near the Second Niger Bridge. Citizens live in fear due to frequent attacks on communities like Nibo and Ifite Awka.
Some Bold Steps by the Government
Given this challenge, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has taken significant steps to address insecurity in Anambra State. One of the key initiatives is “Operation Udo Ga-Achị”, which involves a special force of 2,000 personnel from multiple security branches. The operation aims to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms using advanced technologies like AI-powered surveillance and tracking systems.
To support these efforts, Soludo unveiled a fleet of 200 vehicles for security operations and announced plans for additional procurements. He also established the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, which effectively bans Okite rituals and other criminally motivated esoteric practices. This law prescribes stiff penalties for offenders, including up to six years in prison or a fine of N20 million.
Also, the governor emphasised collective responsibility in securing Anambra by encouraging communities to establish localised security governance structures. He also extended an amnesty offer to individuals involved in criminal activities with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Additionally, he offered rewards for whistle-blowers who provided information leading to the arrest of kidnappers.
Although some stakeholders believe these measures are insufficient, just as an active political movement in the state calls for more effective action against insecurity, some gains have been recorded.
Some Gains Recorded
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to address insecurity in Anambra State through “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” have shown significant impacts. Notable achievements include the arrest of Ekene Onyemekariri, a member of a notorious gang involved in kidnapping and murder, by Agụnechemba operatives. The operation has also dislodged kidnappers and demolished their hideouts in areas like Nnewi. Another major success is the swift apprehension of those responsible for the death of Hon. Justice Azuka, commended by the state government as a testament to Operation Udo Ga-Achi’s effectiveness.
However, there have been controversies surrounding some operations. For instance, allegations surfaced that Agụnechemba operatives mistakenly killed an innocent POP installer named Kosisochukwu Okoye, who hailed from Isiaku village in Isuofia, the governor’s home town. This incident sparked widespread criticism and calls for an investigation into the matter. A video circulating online featured women and children cursing and crying as they mourned the late Kosisochukwu.
Despite these challenges, Operation Udo Ga-Achi continues to play a crucial role in enhancing security across Anambra State by targeting criminal elements effectively.
Then a Change of Police Officials in the State
The old Commissioner of Police in Anambra State was CP Aderemi Adeoye, who retired on 1 May 2024. CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, who succeeded him, has expressed commitment to enhancing security in Anambra State. He seeks public support and cooperation in combating crime.
Additionally, he welcomed suggestions from the state government for improving vigilante operations and enhancing overall security effectiveness, a sign of collaboration between the state government and the police in combating insecurity in Anambra.
Under Commissioner Itam, the Anambra State Police Command achieved notable successes, including the arrest of over 325 suspects involved in crimes like murder, kidnapping, and cultism. The police also seized a large cache of weapons and rescued several kidnapping victims. Despite these achievements, his tenure ended with his transfer from office.
The recent change involves the replacement of Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam with Livingston Ikioye Urutuku. This change occurred amid rising insecurity concerns and follows Itam’s efforts to reduce crime through community engagement and strategic policing initiatives. This left many wondering why now that gains were being made.
The case of kidnapping on the highways with heavy police/army presence as well as farmer-herder conflicts & internal displacements remains a challenge due to factors like inadequate resources and coordination among security agencies. Farmer-herder conflicts contribute to internal displacements due to deep-seated issues such as land ownership disputes and ethnic tensions. In all these, past governors and security agencies in Nigeria have been accused of either watching helplessly or abetting a crime, yet there exist sudden transfers that tend to disrupt efforts by the current Anambra administration to combat insecurity. When & how will the government exonerate itself from allegations of complicity in Nigeria’s security conundrum?
Need for Strategic Security Policies and Way Forward
The government must demonstrate tangible improvements to exonerate itself from allegations of complicity in Nigeria’s security challenges. This includes addressing concerns around strategic transfers of security operatives, such as the recent change of Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra State.
While this change might raise political concerns, especially during election seasons, the new CP must collaborate with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to build on initiatives like “Operation Udo Ga-Achi”. This operation has shown promise by deploying a multi-agency task force and engaging communities. So, the new CP should leverage these strategies to enhance trust and coordination between law enforcement and local communities. Effective management can mitigate potential disruptions and bring fresh perspectives that improve security outcomes.
Nationally, President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the need for harmonised operations among security agencies to tackle evolving threats. Addressing root causes like poverty and inequality is also critical. Nigeria can make significant strides in combating insecurity by adopting a comprehensive approach that includes community engagement and governance reforms.
Dr Mbamalu, a Jefferson Fellow and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is the publisher of www.primebusiness.africa
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Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
