Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has expressed concerns that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), may not resolve the insecurity in the South-East region.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Governor’s Lodge in Anambra State on Tuesday, Soludo acknowledged that Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021, where he faces charges of treasonable felony.

The governor argued that criminals have hijacked the Biafran struggle, using Kanu’s name to justify organized crime and exacerbate insecurity in the region. He emphasized that these crimes are motivated by greed rather than any genuine liberation cause.

Soludo expressed skepticism that Kanu’s release would bring an end to the crisis, noting that the criminal elements seem to have disconnected themselves from the original agitation. “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.”

He further stated, “Criminality has taken on a life of its own. These individuals have become driven by money, not the pursuit of freedom. 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.”

Soludo criticized the criminals for becoming enemies of the very people they claim to protect. “Who are they fighting for when they kidnap and kill their own people?” he asked.

The governor also highlighted the challenge of combating insecurity in the region, pointing out that some locals perceive the security agencies as adversaries and view the criminals as liberators.

“Our people know these criminals. They are our brothers, cousins, and neighbors,” he said. “Unfortunately, in some communities, people even provide food to support these criminals hiding in the forests. How can we fight insecurity when the criminals are seen as heroes and the police as the enemy?”