Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has described security measures, which his administration put in place, as critical in restoring peace and order, currently being enjoyed in the state.

Soludo expressed appreciation to the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their duties in the state.

In a statewide broadcast, yesterday, Soludo appreciated the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence and other security agencies in boosting the security architecture, which his administration put in place to secure the state.

He, however, stressed that Ndi Anambra need more security checkpoints in the coming days, weeks and months, because they are critical in restoring peace and order.

Commenting on his first Christmas in office as governor in the last nine months, he said the first key agenda of his government relates to security, law and order.

He said: “I want to specifically talk about where we were at the time I was sworn into office on March 17, 2022, and where we are today, which shows the difference between day and night.

“Eight councils were under siege, taken over by criminals and hoodlums.

“By the grace of God, those councils have been liberated. Law and order seems to be returning to Anambra. All criminal camps have been decimated, and the criminals have been taken out for good.

“Few days ago, we had over 80 of these touts (agberos), who are harassing people around Upper Iweka and environs, taken into custody to be prosecuted and probably jailed.

“Two weeks ago, one criminal, in far away Finland, declared five days sit-at-home, but Ndi Anambra defied the order! Not a single day was observed.

“Thousands of our people returned home for Christmas, and that is why the streets are busy.

“I want to commend security agencies, the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency, the Ocha Brigade, the Vigilante Services, the Anambra youths, who have volunteered to serve our people, to keep our streets safe, and to restore law and order.

“There is still work to be done; there are still challenges and all hands must continue to be on deck.”