By Mary Onyia
The Anambra State security outfit, codenamed Operation Udo Ga-Achi (or Agunechemba), has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state. In a recent operation, the team arrested 11 cultists and demolished the notorious Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as “La Cruise Hotel,” situated along the Onitsha-Owerri Road. Investigations revealed the hotel had been used as a base for kidnappers and other criminal groups.
In a statement shared on X late Saturday, the Anambra State New Media detailed the shocking discoveries made during the demolition. Over 30 partitioned graves were found on the top floor of the two-story building, alongside a shrine, live ammunition, blood-stained items, and other incriminating evidence. These findings have been handed over to law enforcement authorities at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Awkuzu.
In a video shared on Sunday, the team leader explained, “We found a shrine, live ammunition, and cartridges while removing the pot used for their rituals. The pot, containing blood, has been handed over to the police as evidence.” He further revealed that the top floor of the hotel housed partitioned graves for over 30 individuals, where the criminals carried out their spiritual activities.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, confirmed the operation and the demolition. He stated that the action was part of a broader investigation linking the hotel to kidnapping activities. “We discovered graves, army uniforms, live cartridges, and other items. The local community had long complained about frequent gunshots at night but was afraid to report due to fear of retaliation,” Aburime said.
Aburime emphasized that the newly enacted Homeland Security Law of 2025 has granted citizens and security agencies the authority to take decisive actions against criminal activities. “We are making substantial progress in removing criminals from Anambra State. This bold action is producing positive results. More buildings linked to crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and hired killings will be demolished, and their owners prosecuted,” he assured.
The demolition has been widely praised by residents, who expressed their relief and gratitude to the government for tackling this persistent threat to public safety.
In a separate operation, the Agunechemba Security Squad also raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at a brothel in Akwu-Ukwu, Idemili South Local Government Area, acting on a tip-off from local residents. During the raid, two suspected kidnappers and five sex workers were apprehended. The building housing the suspects was also demolished in line with the provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Laws.
These recent actions reflect the state government’s commitment to fighting crime and ensuring the safety of Anambra residents.