Soludo Says 60 Criminal Camps Dismantled In Anambra

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has announced that his administration has cleared more than 60 criminal camps operating across ten troubled local government areas of Anambra State.

The governor named the affected areas as Ihiala, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Awka North, and Aguata. He made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press conference at the Light House, Awka, held to mark the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation.

Soludo explained that the success of the operation was due to coordinated efforts involving Agunechemba/Udo-ga-chi, the police, the army, the Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies working in the state. He vowed that criminals would not find safe ground under his leadership.

The governor warned his opponents in the upcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election not to exploit insecurity for political gain. He said campaigns should focus on real issues affecting residents rather than using violence as a tool for political messaging.

Speaking on governance, Soludo said his vision for sustainable development goes beyond short-term relief measures. He stressed that agriculture, healthcare, quality education, and infrastructure must form the foundation of long-lasting progress in the state.

According to him, initiatives such as distributing over 2.6 million palm and coconut seedlings to 180,000 households, offering free education in public schools, providing free antenatal care and delivery in government hospitals, and paying a minimum wage of N82,000 reflect what he described as true “stomach infrastructure.”

He also pointed to the recruitment of more than 1,000 health workers and 8,115 teachers, the clearing of backlogs of pensions and gratuities, and youth empowerment programmes that have already benefitted 5,000 young people, with another 8,000 set to graduate soon. In addition, he noted that over 600 kilometres of roads have been completed out of an 800-kilometre target.

The governor said his administration is committed to using public resources to create long-term value instead of cash handouts. He outlined achievements in urban renewal, governance reforms, road projects, education, health, and economic growth.

Soludo commended residents for their cooperation with security and development policies and urged them to continue supporting efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Anambra.

Anambra State was created on August 27, 1991, alongside eight other states, by then military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.