By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint), Awka

In recent months, the security narrative in Anambra State has taken a remarkable turn. Once plagued by fears of kidnappings and violent attacks, the state witnessed a noticeably calmer atmosphere during the festive season, especially throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Behind this renewed confidence, according to security insiders, lies a deliberate and coordinated strategy spearheaded by the administration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

In this exclusive interview, the Media Publicity Secretary  of the security outfit Agunechemba, of the Udo gachi Unit, Chief Sir Nweke Nweke, speaks candidly on the evolving security architecture, the governor’s proactive leadership, the role of community intelligence, and the ongoing battle against criminal elements across the state.

Below are excerpts…

There has been noticeable improvement in security in Anambra, especially during the last Christmas and New Year celebrations. What accounts for this progress?

The improvement did not happen by accident. It is the result of strategic leadership and deliberate investment in security by the government of Governor Prof. Charles Soludo.

The governor is extremely security-conscious. He understands that safety is the foundation for economic growth and social stability. His administration integrated various security agencies and provided them with modern tools and operational support.

Because of this coordinated effort, we were able to maintain relative peace across the state during the festive period when criminal activities usually spike.

What specific measures has the government taken to strengthen the security architecture?

The government has invested heavily in sophisticated security equipment and logistics. While some operational details must remain confidential for security reasons, I can confirm that modern digital systems and surveillance tools have been deployed.

In addition, plainclothes personnels popularly referred to as “Underdogs” have been strategically positioned to gather intelligence and monitor suspicious activities across communities.

This combination of technology and human intelligence has significantly enhanced our operational efficiency.

Community cooperation is often critical in security operations. How are residents contributing to this effort?

Community involvement is extremely important. Security cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people.
Unfortunately, there have been cases where some community members provide information to criminals. Such betrayals sometimes trigger hostilities, particularly in places like Ihiala.

However, despite these challenges, the government operates an effective intelligence network. Our system works like a secret service, gathering information quietly and verifying it before taking action.

We encourage citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information that will help us protect lives and property.

How does the government respond to cases like kidnapping or high-profile crimes?

The strategy is simple but effective; speed and precision.

Whenever credible information about kidnapping or organized crime reaches the authorities, the government ensures swift response through coordinated security operations. The aim is always to disrupt criminal networks before they escalate their activities.

The message is clear: criminals cannot operate freely in Anambra.

There have been concerns about manpower shortages. Are there enough security personnels to cover the entire state, especially rural communities?

Manpower remains one of the biggest challenges, not only for us but also for conventional security agencies such as the police and the army.
Security work requires enormous human resources, and the available personnel are often stretched across multiple operations.

However, Governor Soludo is making deliberate efforts to address this gap by encouraging volunteers to support the security architecture. This is a sacrificial duty, and those who join understand the risks involved.

Despite limited resources, our officers remain committed to protecting the people.

How difficult is the battle against criminal elements under these constraints?

Fighting crime with limited resources can sometimes feel like the biblical story of David and Goliath.

But what matters most is courage, intelligence, and determination. Our officers are highly motivated, and we rely heavily on strategic intelligence to outmaneuver criminal groups.

With the governor’s continued support and the resilience of our personnel, we are gradually winning the fight.

What final message would you like to send to residents of Anambra State?

The people should remain vigilant and law-abiding. The director of Anambra State Vigilante, Chief Sir Ken Emeakayi and His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo are solution driven to curb social vices.

The security framework in Anambra is comprehensive and constantly evolving. Criminals should understand that there is no safe hiding place for them anymore.

The law will always catch up with anyone who threatens the peace of the state.

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By Chuks Collins, Awka
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The Anambra State Police command has stepped up it’s community policing teachings with interaction with schools

The package includes personal/corporate safety, and crime prevention strategies.

The Command while engaging the students and their school authorities on Tuesday, 11th February 2026, in an interactive session focused on school safety, personal security awareness, and crime prevention.

During the season the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations Department) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oruru Harrison enlightened the students of Sacred Heart Academy Ifite Ogwari, in Ayamelum Council area of the State on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, bullying, cybercrime, and other social vices.

He emphasised the importance of vigilance, responsible conduct and prompt reporting of suspicious activities in and around the school premises.

The Command encouraged students to imbibe positive relationships with law enforcement agencies and reassured them of the readiness of the police to respond swiftly to distress calls and security concerns affecting educational institutions.

The Police command also urged school administrators to strengthen internal security measures and maintain close collaboration with security agenciesbso as to proactively address potential threats.

The Command remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard schools and create an enabling environment for academic excellence across the State.

…..vows to mobilize 50,000 student voters

By Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Awka

Anambra State Students, acting under the auspices of the Solution Student Movement of Nigeria, Anambra state chapter, have declared their intention to contribute money to buy the “Expression Of Interest Form” for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest for a second term in office in 2027.

The group also said that they were ready to mobilise over 50,000 youths and students for his second term endorsement rally, adding that President Tinubu has proved within the last three years to be genuine a progressive worthy of their support.

The convener and student leader who is the Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Student Matters, Hon Okoye Mathew Okpala (Nwa Soludo) made this known during a student meeting, held at theETF hall of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, (COOU) Igbariam campus, Anambra State, on Saturday, 14th Feb, 2026 to deliberate on the Theme: “Discovering Purpose and Working in Ordination 2026″.

According to Okpala, their primary interest had been and would remain the welfare, advancement and protection of students’ interests above any other consideration.

To them, Leadership he said, is about policies that directly impact the lives of the people, a reason he stressed the students were in clear and unwavering support of President Tinubu’s Second term in the 2027 general elections.

Under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigerian students he said had witnessed a historic intervention in the education sector through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

The approval of the zero-interest students’ loan scheme policy he noted has become a lifeline for over 983,706 Nigerian students who had already benefited with more than ₦183 billion disbursed so far. “This is not a promise for tomorrow; it is a reality happening today.”

“For years, many brilliant young Nigerians were forced to abandon their dreams, not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked financial support.

“Some deferred admissions. Some dropped out. Some never returned to school. The zero-interest loan scheme restores dignity, opportunity, and hope to thousands of families across this nation.That is inclusive leadership”, he said.

He stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated that students are not an afterthought in governance and by investing in education financing and working towards economic stabilization, had shown he understands that the future of Nigeria lies in the classrooms, laboratories, and lecture halls of today.

“On the other hand, we have heard statements from Peter Obi suggesting that the students’ loan scheme would be halted if he is elected. As someone whose responsibility is to defend students’ interests, I must ask: what happens to the hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries? What happens to the students who are relying on this support to complete their degrees?

“What happens to those who finally found hope after years of financial hardship?.”

“If we truly care about students, we must protect policies that expand access to education not dismantle them. Even beyond politics, compassion demands that we acknowledge the painful history of students who were unable to further their education due to school fees and upkeep challenges”, he said.

Comrade Okoye, however noted that the students support for Tinubu was not based on sentiment, but on measurable impact, adding that as students they will always stand with policies that keep them in school, reduce financial burden, and secure their academic future.

For these reasons, he said the students from the zone proudly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the next election, because leadership must be measured by what it does for the people, especially for the youth who embody the future of the nation.

The students he emphasized must continue to choose progress, opportunity, and inclusive leadership above any other consideration.

….Lilu, Orsuihiteukwa seek FG, States intervention

By Clems Iheme, and C Collins. who was at Orsuihiteukwa/Lilu

Two Anambra and Imo states communities bordering each other -Lilu (Ihiala LGA) and Orsuihiteukwa (Orsu) respectively have raised the alarm over recent more killings in their communities.

The outcry led by youths of these neighboring communities specifically fingered a previously booming location unfortunately baptized ‘Murder Valley’ by the gunmen as the main black spot and operational base of the murderous gangsters who have extinguished every form economic lives, decorum, and sanity but replaced it with the guns, and language of the jungle where might was power.

The location named Udeke by their ancestors according to history was renamed by these hoodlums as it has sadly became a spot where they do the absurd. They reportedly rape, rob, kill, maim and carry out human sacrifices for years now.

The Orsuihiteukwa Youths/the young-at-heart in the community led by Orsuihiteukwa Gadinma Ozo took select team of local/foreign based journalists, historians, anthropologists and documentarians to see things for themselves.

While addressing the visitors, the spokesperson for the community who gave his name simply as “Chukwuebuka”, noted that he’s presently keeping his full name under cover now for obvious security reasons said they were tired of running away from their homeland.

Chukwuebuka, like Lilu in Ihiala Council of Anambra State, lamented that “it was indeed doubtful if the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the State Assembly still recognized Orsuihiteukwa and other neighbouring communities now daily soaked in blood as part of Imo State.”

He bemoaned the sad situation where the historical popular Eke Ututu market which hitherto drew patrons from all corners of the world become a wild forest in the last six years when insurgency started in the area.

Barrister Chukwuebuka told the visitors that majorly two villages of Orsu and Uda were the worst hit as almost the entire residents were driven out of their ancestral abode.

Moreso, all the major access roads, farmlands, bushparts, etc have been laced with deadly landmines. And needs military sweep as it has been decimating unsuspecting natives.

Toeing the same line of Lilu who intermarried, attends schools, churches in each other’s community asked the State government, ‘Is Orsuihiteukwa still part of Imo State? Where has our share of revenue allocation, appointments and other democracy dividends been going?

According to a resident who mustered enough courage to speak to the visiting team, the Federal and two States governments have failed us and our children.

The Managing Director and CEO, AprokoRepublic Media, Mr. Vincent Okoye has described the former Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Uche Ekwunife as an amazon and politician whose trajectory needs to be understudied.

He made the comments in a message celebrating the 55th birthday anniversary of the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently held gubernatorial election in Anambra while describing her as a force to be reckoned with in the state and Nigeria.

“Asides being a politician, Iyom Ekwunife has been a strong supporter of the AprokoRepublic brand and we cannot but celebrate her.

She’s humane and all communities within Anambra Central and beyond have felt her impact.

On behalf of AprokoRepublic, we wish her a fruitful birthday and the grace to be alive to touch more lives.”

The Anambra State Police Command says it has intensified security operations in schools and churches across the state in a bid to forestall emerging threats and sustain public safety.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka, said the measures follow fresh directives from the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

He said the commissioner has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical units to step up patrols, reinforce intelligence-driven operations, and enhance surveillance around learning and worship centres.

According to him, the command remains resolute in protecting lives and property, and will continue to review strategies to address evolving security challenges.

Orutugu commended residents for their cooperation and vigilance, which he noted have been critical in maintaining peace and supporting ongoing security efforts.

The heightened security comes amid concerns over recent attacks and abductions targeting schools and churches in parts of Northern Nigeria and the South-West.

By lFEANYI NDUKWE (SAINT), AWKA

In what appears to be one of the most assertive security declarations under the Soludo administration, Prince Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, has issued a bold directive to Agunechemba operatives to take over every criminal hideouts in Anambra and take the fight straight to the perpetrators.

The announcement followed a high-level briefing with the leadership of Agunechemba, a grassroots security outfit increasingly recognized for its growing influence in rural defence operations.

During the meeting, Emeakayi acknowledged the group’s early victories particularly the disruption of youth-driven kidnapping rings that had terrorized several communities.

He described the new operation as a strategic escalation, engineered to “silence the criminals” and dismantle all forest camps used by armed groups. The task, he stressed, is not merely reactive but intentionally offensive.

One of the most distinctive features of the current security drive is the boost in logistics and technology made possible by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

Emeakayi disclosed that Agunechemba now operates with advanced surveillance cameras, earth-moving machinery for dismantling hideouts, enhanced mobility support and coordinated reinforcement from police authorities.

These resources, he said, are clear evidence that the State Government is not treating community security as symbolic but as a priority instrument of public policy.

In a formal statement released from Awka and signed by Comrade Nweke Nweke, Media/Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, Emeakayi expressed profound appreciation to Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.

He highlighted the CP’s “unwavering support” and the synergy that has helped displaced residents return safely to their communities after months of violent disruptions.

Emeakayi’s remarks grew notably stern as he addressed parents and guardians whose children may be involved in criminal networks.
He emphasized that the new operational strategy rolled out in this period of Yuletide is designed to flush out criminals with precision.

“We are no longer waiting for kidnappers to strike. We are advancing into their hideouts. If you know your child is hiding in the forest, bring him home. No responsible person chooses to live there,” he warned.

Emeakayi’s leadership style reflects a blend of stern enforcement and humanitarian awareness, spotlighting his reputation for discipline, data-driven coordination, and grassroots consultation.

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By Karen James

Tension has gripped residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a disturbing case of alleged land theft involving individuals reportedly linked to certain government departments.

Huge panic spread across the area on Tuesday when armed men allegedly acting on “government orders” invaded the community, preventing landowners from accessing their properties. The situation escalated into a massive protest, as residents demanded immediate government intervention to stop what they described as an “illegal land takeover.”

The Acting Chairman of the Estate, Evang. Abalogu Moses, whose property was also affected, lamented the destruction and intimidation landowners have endured in recent days. He revealed that many property owners have been left helpless, calling on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene urgently.

“Our people are crying; their houses and fences have been destroyed. We bought this land legally and have all our documents intact. We are begging the state government to come to our rescue,” Chief Moses said.

During an on-site investigation, a correspondent from Pechilly Investigative Media was reportedly attacked by some uniformed men who claimed they had orders “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.

One of the men present, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, also known as “One Man 30”, claimed he and his team—five in total—were acting on instructions linked to the ownership of the land.

“This land belongs to Ndi Onitsha. We were told to come here and take over what belongs to us,” Ogaazi stated.

Ogaazi further alleged that the individuals behind the operation include Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu from the Office of the Special Adviser Department and Ben Chiobi of the AVM Department, claiming they were acting “on government directives.”

However, his claims have sparked outrage among residents, who accused the alleged officials of using government influence to intimidate private citizens and destroy legal property.

One of the affected landowners, identified simply as Chidi, fought back tears as he described the ordeal:

“Why will some people use the name of the government to intimidate others? They said they were sent by Governor Soludo and the AVM office to take over our land. Even the All Saints Anglican Church’s property here was demolished. This is wickedness.”

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from community members, church representatives, and civil rights advocates, all of whom have called on Governor Soludo to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served.

Residents fear that the invasion could lead to further unrest if not swiftly addressed, warning that such actions could tarnish the image of the Soludo administration.

Meanwhile, the Pechilly Investigative Department has called for a full-scale probe into the situation, demanding accountability and recovery of the allegedly stolen properties.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Anambra State Government regarding the allegations or the escalating tension in Omalima Layout.

Community leaders have urged the state government to restore calm, verify ownership records, and ensure that peace returns to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka before the situation spirals out of control.

…examining the quiet strength of a woman who builds others

By lFEANYI NDUKWE (SAINT), ONITSHA

From the roots of the Nri clan came the birth cry of an Amazon over four decades ago. That marked the beginning of a bearer of light into the community. We are honoured to detail in small quantity of a great Amazon in the person of Iyom Chief Mrs Joy Egolum.

In an age where power often shouts and pride seeks applause, Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Joy O. Egolum stands as a gentle storm. She is calm, firm, and deeply influential. Her story is not one of noise or self-display, but of substance. A woman whose footprints echo through service, family devotion, philanthropy, and an unyielding sense of purpose.

Interestingly she was born with an instinct for leadership and a heart tuned to humanity, Iyom Joy Egolum rose steadily through life’s ladder. She didn’t rise by chance, but by choice, discipline, and grace.

She mastered the delicate balance between ambition and humility, between public service and private integrity.

As the South East Corporate Affairs Manager, NB PLC, her career marked by diligence and distinction, reflects a woman who understands that leadership is not about titles, but about transforming lives and lifting others to their rightful heights.

What defines Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Egolum most profoundly is her philanthropy (quiet, consistent, and far-reaching). Her gestures go beyond charity; they are expressions of empathy. She has supported widows with dignity, empowered women through skill acquisitions, offered scholarships to indigent students, and extended a motherly hand to orphans and the less privileged. For her, giving is not an act of showmanship but a duty born out of compassion. No wonder the Enugu state government through the office of the First Lady gave her recognition awards.

Her philanthropic spirit has become a beacon for many, particularly women who have found in her A ROLE MODEL of what strength in femininity truly means. In a society that often undervalues women’s contributions, Iyom Joy Egolum stands as a testament that being female is not a limitation but a DIVINE CALL TO NURTURE, influence, and lead.

Behind every great achievement of hers lies a foundation built on love and family. Iyom is a devoted wife, mother, and matriarch, she embodies the saying that “charity begins at home.”

Her home radiates the same warmth she extends to her community, a sanctuary of discipline, love, and understanding to her children and those she mentors, she is both a teacher and a friend; to her husband, a true partner and confidant.

Her ability to harmonize family responsibilities with professional excellence is a quiet victory; one that many women admire and draw strength from. In her, we see a reflection of resilience and grace, a woman who bends under pressure but never breaks.

Iyom Joy Odogwu Egolum’s life hasn’t been without trials. Like gold refined in fire, she has faced storms; social expectations, professional challenges, and the unique pressures that come with being a woman in leadership.

Yet, she turned every challenge into a steppingstone. Her story is one of endurance rewarded with purpose. Every setback only refined her wisdom, deepened her empathy, and strengthened her resolve to serve.

From her early days in service where she distinguished herself as a woman of integrity and administrative excellence to her later years of community leadership and philanthropy.

Iyom Egolum’s journey reads like a testament of faith, courage, and vision. She has held positions of trust and honor, always leaving trails of fairness, foresight, and compassion.

Today, her legacy shines brightly especially in the lives she has touched which includes schools in Nri and Enugu states, churches, community associations, and women’s groups all bear testimony to her generosity and moral strength. She is a woman who gives without counting, leads without dominating, and inspires without demanding praise.

Her story challenges every woman and indeed every person to see life not as a competition, but as a calling. To lift others as we climb, to be firm yet kind, and to live in a way that our names become blessings on the lips of others.

Her relationship and love for her father, late High Chief Odogwu remains a resounding drum of moral and spiritual guidance.

Quoting her, “Leadership is not about position. It is about compassion, patience, and vision, “— Iyom Chief (Mrs.) Joy Odogwu Egolum

Today, we celebrate God’s Faithfulness on you, keep shining bright as the stars.