The South East region of Nigeria continues to grapple with severe security challenges, forcing many residents to avoid traveling to their hometowns for significant ceremonies such as weddings and burials. The situation worsened following the arrest and detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Initially, the region was subjected to IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home orders, during which defiance often resulted in fatal consequences. Police stations were attacked, and the group’s activities transitioned into more covert operations. This development led to the emergence of unknown gunmen who have since established camps in dense forests across the region.
In Anambra State, these camps are concentrated in areas such as Amichi, Ukpor, Iseke, Azia, Orsumoghu, and Lilu. These forests have become notorious as both hideouts for the gunmen and detention sites for kidnap victims. The road stretching from Amichi to Isekke, once active, is now deserted due to its dangers. Security checkpoints along the route have been abandoned, with officers relocating to safer areas where extortion of motorists has reportedly become rampant.
Abia State faces similar challenges, particularly in the Umunneochi axis, known for its feared criminal camps. Shockingly, kidnappers often pass through military checkpoints in the area with their victims unchallenged. Meanwhile, Imo State’s Okigwe/Ihube forest, which shares borders with Abia, has also become a criminal hotspot. Despite security operations, incidents of highway robbery and kidnapping persist along key routes, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
The presence of over a dozen checkpoints along some routes, including the Enugu-Onitsha corridor, has not curbed insecurity. Instead, these checkpoints have become sites of extortion, particularly those manned by soldiers who reportedly employ civilians to collect bribes from commercial drivers.
Residents and analysts question why security forces have failed to dislodge the insurgents. Former Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, explained that government restraint stems from concerns about collateral damage to innocent civilians. He described the situation as a form of guerrilla warfare, noting the criminals’ use of landmines and advanced weaponry.
However, he assured that efforts to reclaim these areas are ongoing, with significant progress made in curbing attacks. Local residents remain skeptical. Mr. Cletus Nwakire, a native of Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area, lamented the inability to visit his community for three years. He expressed frustration, stating that security forces should be able to eliminate the threat within a week if committed to the task.
To address the issue, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has called for the deployment of drones and helicopters to conduct aerial surveillance of the black spots. Comrade Goodluck Ibem, President General of COSEYL, emphasized the importance of intelligence-driven operations to restore peace.
In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti’s “Operation Flush” has led to a significant reduction in criminal activity, particularly along the Umunneochi-Isuikwuato axis. However, occasional incidents persist, with many crimes attributed to cross-border criminals operating from neighboring states.
