Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has voiced concerns that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may not resolve the ongoing insecurity in the South-East.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge on Tuesday, Soludo emphasized that the situation has scalated beyond Kanu’s control.
Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his extradition from Kenya. While his detention has drawn calls for his release, Soludo argued that insecurity in the region is now fueled by criminal groups exploiting Kanu’s name to justify illegal activities.
“The so-called agitators have transformed into organized criminal gangs,” Soludo said. “They now hide in forests, kidnapping innocent citizens for ransom, and use the Biafra cause as a cover for their atrocities. This has nothing to do with any liberation movement.”
According to Soludo, these groups no longer prioritize freedom or political agitation but are motivated by financial gain. He expressed doubt that Kanu’s release would deter these criminals, stating, “Even if Nnamdi Kanu were released today, I’m not sure they would listen to him, as their focus has shifted to wealth, not liberation.”
The governor lamented the growing support these criminals receive from some locals, who view security agencies as adversaries. “Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors. Unfortunately, in some communities, people even provide food to support these criminals hiding in the forests.”
Soludo stressed that the current crisis reflects a deeper issue of greed and betrayal, noting, “Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?” He called for collective action to combat the rising insecurity and urged communities to stop supporting criminal activities masked as political struggles.
