Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo has described the state as one of the safest in Nigeria, attributing the improvement to sustained collaboration among security agencies and local vigilante groups.
Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Soludo noted that Tinubu’s message on tackling insecurity nationwide at the recently concluded National Economic Council (NEC) conference was emphatic and reassuring.
“The President’s message was emphatic, and we’re quite excited to also listen to the President and his determination to stamp out insecurity nationwide,” he said. Describing the security of lives and property as the primary duty of government at all levels, Soludo emphasized that addressing insecurity required systemic collaboration among the federal government, states, local councils, and communities.
He commended the military, police, DSS, Civil Defence, and other paramilitary agencies for their contributions, while also praising Anambra’s internal security architecture, including the state vigilante group. Other security outfits, such as anti-cult and anti-touting units, were noted for working effectively to curb criminality. Since assuming office, Soludo revealed, 62 criminal camps have been dismantled in the state.
“And we’re not resting, not one second,” he added. According to the governor, improved security was evident during the 2025 Yuletide, when residents and visitors moved freely across the state, boosting social and economic activities.
He noted that criminals had held the South-East hostage for more than five years through the sit-at-home order enforced every Monday, a development he described as destructive and debilitating to education, commerce, and investment.
Each Monday lost translated to about 20 percent of the work week for many businesses and informal workers, while the disruption also weakened school hours and harmed long-term human capital development. The shutdown of major markets, including the popular Onitsha market, dealt a heavy blow to the regional economy.
However, with security improving and restrictions lifted, traders have begun returning business as usual. Soludo pledged to regenerate the market and restore it as a premier commercial hub in West Africa.