Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced that the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order in Anambra State has effectively come to an end, citing significant improvements in security across the state.

Soludo made the declaration on Tuesday during his second-term inauguration ceremony at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“The debilitating sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work,” Soludo said. “Ndi Anambra say that ours is now the safest, or at least one of the safest states in Nigeria.”

The Monday sit-at-home directive, which severely disrupted economic and social activities, originated as a protest linked to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government. For years, residents were compelled to remain indoors, with businesses and public institutions shut across the state.

Highlighting progress in restoring security, the governor disclosed that 62 criminal camps had been dismantled, while eight local government areas previously under siege had been reclaimed. He added that normal activities have resumed on Mondays, noting increased movement of people and visitors into the state.

Soludo also pointed to signs of economic recovery, stating that Anambra recorded one of its most vibrant festive periods in decades, with large numbers of visitors returning during the Christmas season. He attributed the improvements to targeted policies, including the Homeland Security Law 2025, and intensified enforcement efforts.

According to the governor, the administration has also taken steps to address rising criminality linked to youth involvement in illicit activities. He said a crackdown under the “Oso Soludo” initiative has led to the arrest and prosecution of individuals associated with such practices.

“Hundreds of these dangerous native doctors are on the run,” he said, adding that a prominent figure linked to the trend, known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been convicted and his shrine destroyed.

Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling crime and promoting ethical values, stressing the need to steer young people away from drugs, cultism, and other criminal activities.

“We are on a serious crusade for ethical and cultural rebirth to secure the future of our youths,” he said.