Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has revealed that his administration has destroyed over 62 criminal camps across the state, part of ongoing efforts to restore security and normalcy.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Wednesday, Soludo said the Southeast region suffered serious economic losses due to the sit-at-home orders imposed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with businesses and investments diverted to other regions.
With the cessation of the sit-at-home directives, commercial activities have rebounded, particularly at Onitsha Main Market, where over 45,000 shops reopened on Monday.
To tackle crime, Soludo said his government established the Agunechemba vigilante group, alongside anti-cult and anti-touting units, to dismantle criminal networks.
“When I assumed office, so far since I came into office, about 62 criminal camps have been dismantled in Anambra, and we’re not resting for one second.
”In Anambra, we pride ourselves on being the safest if not, modestly, one of the safest states in the country, and security is key,” the governor said.
He noted that the state experienced a massive return of residents during the last Christmas period, signaling renewed confidence in local security.
While he did not disclose the fate of those behind the dismantled camps, Soludo emphasised that criminal elements have been decisively dealt with.
Soludo also highlighted the economic impact of the sit-at-home orders, stating that each lost Monday equated to roughly 20 per cent of the working week for informal businesses, with the closure of Onitsha Main Market, a major commercial hub in West Africa causing significant regional economic losses.
The governor expressed optimism about the market’s reopening, describing the return of thousands of traders as a sign of renewed economic vibrancy, and announced plans to modernise and regenerate Onitsha Main Market to restore its status as a premier commercial center.
He clarified that his visit to President Tinubu was not related to security, noting that the responsibility for security remains with the state government.
