Chukwuma Soludo has said security has significantly improved in Anambra State, declaring that the long-running sit-at-home order is now effectively over.
Soludo made the remarks on Tuesday, March 17, during his inauguration for a second term at Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, in Awka, where several prominent figures were present, including former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Vice President Kashim Shettima.
He said: “The debilitating one-sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work. Ndi Anambra says that ours is now the safest, or at least one of the safest states in Nigeria.” Soludo added that Monday activities have resumed across the state, noting: “I’m sure many of you flew into Anambra yesterday, being Monday. Previously, it was not possible.”
The sit-at-home order, which kept residents indoors and shut down economic activities every Monday, began as a protest linked to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government. Highlighting progress in tackling insecurity, Soludo said: “Some 62 criminal camps have been dismantled, and 8 local governments previously under total siege have been liberated.”
He also pointed to increased economic and social activity, stating: “Anambra had its best Christmas season in decades last December with a mass return and over 10,000 visitors per day to the Solution City every day until the 10th of January.” The governor credited the improvements to measures such as the Homeland Security Law 2025, which he said has helped reduce criminal activity.
According to him, the state had been facing a growing trend among youths that promoted wealth without work, which he linked to rising criminality. Soludo said enforcement efforts under what he described as “Oso Soludo” have led to a crackdown on individuals involved in such activities.
He stated: “Hundreds of these dangerous native doctors are on the run. The poster boy of the new phenomenon, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to a jail term. His massive shrine has been destroyed as well.”
The governor emphasised that his administration is focused on restoring ethical values and tackling issues such as drugs, cultism and criminality. “We are on a very serious crusade for ethical and cultural rebirth… That way, we can rescue our youth and secure the future away from drugs, cultism, magic, and criminality,” he said.