Amid a troubling wave of kidnappings, cult-related killings, and escalating violent crimes, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has issued a strong appeal for a comprehensive overhaul of Anambra State’s security architecture and community policing framework.
Recent incidents across communities such as Nibo, Abatete, Ihiala, Awka, and parts of Anambra South have left residents gripped by fear, with reports of mass killings, abductions of prominent figures, and attacks on students and commuters sparking outrage and concern.
While acknowledging the Anambra State Government’s efforts—including the launch of Operation Udo Ga-Achi and the enactment of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025—FENRAD asserts that underlying structural weaknesses must be urgently addressed.
Key Recommendations from FENRAD:
- Revamp Community Policing:
FENRAD emphasises that community policing must transcend the mere renaming of local vigilante groups. It requires professional training, legal accountability, standardised operational procedures, and integration with established law enforcement to foster public trust. - Strengthen Interagency Coordination:
To streamline security operations, clear command structures and efficient intelligence-sharing mechanisms are vital, alongside frameworks for meaningful civilian engagement. - Develop Grassroots Intelligence Networks:
FENRAD proposes ward-level security committees and forest surveillance teams—working with hunters, farmers, and local leaders—to gather actionable intelligence on criminal activity.
- Revamp Community Policing:
- Establish Independent Oversight: An impartial body free from political influence should be tasked with monitoring security agencies and vigilante outfits, reviewing public complaints, investigating misconduct, and enforcing human rights compliance.
- Invest in Strategic Dialogue and Conflict Prevention:
Youth-centred peacebuilding initiatives and early-warning systems are recommended to tackle the root causes of violence, such as cultism and substance abuse, often fueled by socioeconomic disenfranchisement.
“Security is not just about enforcement—it’s about justice, equity, and inclusion,” stated Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD’s Executive Director. He stressed that reactive, force-only models cannot restore lasting peace. A community-led, intelligence-driven, and accountable approach is crucial.
FENRAD reiterated its readiness to partner with state authorities, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and federal agencies to co-create solutions that prioritise the protection of life, uphold human rights, and guarantee safety for all.
