By Rekpene Bassey
Anambra, once a beacon of industrial prosperity in Eastern Nigeria, has morphed into a hotbed of violent crime.
What was previously a hub for commerce and manufacturing has now gained notoriety for armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, and cybercrime.
The state’s residents live in a perpetual state of fear, adjusting their routines to mitigate the risk of falling victim to the rising tide of criminality.
A stark example of this crisis was the abduction and murder of Justice Azuka, a member representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly. His decomposing remains were discovered at the foot of the Second Niger Bridge, sending shockwaves throughout the state.
In response, the Anambra State Police Command launched an investigation under then-Commissioner Itam Obono Nnanghe. However, it was the state’s vigilante security outfit that successfully tracked down and apprehended several members of the kidnap gang, subsequently handing them over to law enforcement.
Determined to combat the escalating violence, the Anambra State Government has since taken decisive measures to reinforce its security architecture. One major step was the redeployment of CP Nnanghe, regarded as one of the Nigeria Police Force’s finest minds, to the Force Headquarters. He was replaced by CP Ikioye Orutugu, another seasoned officer tasked with restoring order in a volatile state.
Orutugu’s tenure, however, began on a distressing note. First, two high-profile kidnapping suspects managed to escape while under police investigation. Then, while on a tour of Nnewi North Local Government Area, a horrific discovery was made: three young siblings, aged 5, 7, and 9, were found murdered, dismembered, and stored in a refrigerator in Urugu Nnewi. This gruesome incident underscored the deep-seated criminal networks operating within the state.
Despite these setbacks, law enforcement has reported some victories. Before his redeployment, Nnanghe had disclosed that the police neutralised over 100 notorious criminals and dismantled several criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, and Ogbaru, among other locations. However, many residents remain skeptical, as crime persists alarmingly.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has not been passive in the fight against insecurity. His administration recently revived Agunechemba, Anambra’s security outfit, under the operational code name Udo Gachi.
However, critics argue that his efforts are primarily reactive rather than proactive. A more preemptive strategy could significantly alter the state’s security landscape.
The root causes of Anambra’s security dilemma extend beyond policing failures. The socio-economic realities of unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to basic amenities contribute significantly to the rise in criminal activities.
A 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Anambra’s unemployment rate hovers around 44.6 per cent, a figure that correlates strongly with rising criminal activity. Disillusioned by economic hardships, desperate youth are often lured into crime by the promise of quick wealth.
Additionally, the political class in Nigeria, including Anambra, tends to approach security challenges with a reactionary mindset. The politicisation of security issues further hampers genuine efforts to combat crime. Instead of treating public safety as a primary concern, some politicians use security challenges as a tool for political manoeuvring, undermining the effectiveness of interventions.
A fundamental challenge remains the efficiency and integrity of the police force. The fact that a vigilante group could crack a high-profile kidnap case while the police struggled to make headway raises serious concerns about the competence and commitment of law enforcement officers in Anambra.
This has reignited the debate over the necessity of state policing or introducing a Sheriff’s Department at the local government level. Advocates argue that a decentralised police structure would be more effective in crime prevention and response.
Cybercrime, another facet of Anambra’s criminal landscape, is rapidly expanding. Internet fraud, popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo, has found a stronghold in cities like Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha.
Many young men resort to digital scams, seeing little hope in legitimate employment. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently reported a 35 per cent increase in cybercrime-related arrests in the South East, with Anambra contributing significantly to the statistics.
Kidnapping for ransom has also reached epidemic proportions. A report by SBM Intelligence in 2024 estimated that over 2,500 people were kidnapped in Nigeria within six months, with the South East accounting for nearly 30 per cent of cases. Anambra remains a key hotspot, with criminal syndicates targeting wealthy individuals and political figures.
The rise in ritual killings is equally alarming. Driven by superstitious beliefs and the promise of supernatural wealth, some criminals engage in the gruesome practice of human sacrifice. Numerous cases of missing persons have been linked to this phenomenon, particularly in rural areas where security presence is minimal.
A multi-pronged approach is required to address these multifaceted security challenges. Strengthening intelligence gathering, increasing community engagement, and leveraging technology for crime detection should be prioritised. Investment in economic empowerment programs for youth, including vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives, could serve as a long-term deterrent to crime.
Moreover, law enforcement agencies must undergo significant reform. Increasing salaries, improving working conditions, and enforcing strict accountability measures can enhance police efficiency. Body cameras, dashboard cameras in patrol vehicles, and forensic analysis in criminal investigations could also improve crime resolution rates.
Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in security enhancement. Businesses operating in Anambra should collaborate with the government to fund security initiatives, including CCTV surveillance, street lighting projects, and community policing structures.
Finally, Anambra’s security crisis is a complex challenge requiring immediate and sustained action. While both the government and security agencies have made commendable efforts, a fundamental shift in approach, one that combines intelligence-driven policing, economic development, and political will, is essential. Until then, the people of Anambra may continue to sleep with one eye open, hoping that safety and stability will soon be restored.
*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON) and an expert in Security and Drug Prevention.
