Professor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced plansto use advanced surveillance technology to combat insecurity in the state.
This advanced surveillance technology will be used by a newly-formed security initiative “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” which means Operation Peace Shall reign, as a tool to restore peace and combating crime in the state.
The Anambra State Governor dropped the hint while he spoke about rumours concerning the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The Advanced Surveillance Technology will make use of “drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor and track criminal activities.” The tools will be very useful in ensuring swift response to security threats.
As a means to also curb the security unrest in the state that arose due to the hijack of IPOB by unscrupulous people, the G|overnor says that branded vehicle will be deployed for stop-and-search activities, forest guards will be trained to work with vigilantes and local authorities and local communities will be trained to ensure that they are aware of security initiatives, and are empowered to report suspicious activities. All these are plans to ensure that criminals activities are prevented and criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.
The hijack of IPOB agitation has brought severe consequences on the people of the state. Killings, robbery, kidnappings and other heinous crimes are being perpetrated. This has also deterred many investors from investing in the region due to insecurity.
According to Governor Soludo , “the hijack has undermined the economic development of the region, as investors are reluctant to invest in an environment characterised by violence and insecurity.”
Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information for Anambra State, says that ”Governor Soludo’s effort to Nnamdi Kanu’s release and his efforts to restore peace in the South East are genuine. However, he fears that the criminal elements who have turned Biafra agitation into a criminal enterprise may not listen to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a legitimate concern that is shared by well-meaning people.”
Dr. Mefor advises the people of Anambra to look beyond the propaganda peddled around in order to discredit Gov. Soludo’s administration and recognise the progress being made. He called for co-operation with the government to deal decisively with insecurity in the state.