Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Community Security, has lamented that criminals have infiltrated the State security outfit, “Agunechemba”, and are now reportedly involved in robbery and kidnapping across the State.
Emeakayi raised the alarm following mounting concerns from residents who are lamenting that some supposed “Agunechemba” operatives have been extorting and harassing them with firearms and also mounting roadblocks to collect various sums of money from motorists.
“Agunechemba” and “Operation Udo-ga-chi” were launched by the State Governor in January to complement the efforts of the police in safeguarding residents amid growing insecurity in the State.
Emeakayi expressed disappointment over the infiltration of criminal elements into the Agunechemba ranks and assured that a comprehensive verification process is underway to identify and remove individuals tarnishing the agency’s image.
He stated this in a verified voice note that circulated widely across the State on Saturday, adding that he made the voice note to address mounting concerns and reactions generated by the development with a view to restoring confidence of the people back into “Agunechemba.”
He said: “It is unacceptable for Agunechemba operatives to act with impunity and extort the same people they are meant to protect. Agunechemba operatives are not authorised to mount road blocks or checkpoints.
“The reason the Governor established Agunechemba and Operation Udo ga Achi is to drive away criminals in the state, not for operatives to torment residents.
“There are disturbing findings that some individuals now masquerade as Agunechemba members by day, only to engage in kidnapping and armed robbery at night.
“Many of these unverified operatives have refused to undergo the mandatory profiling process, which has delayed their remuneration and raised suspicions about their legitimacy.”
He warned that anyone claiming to be a security operative without undergoing proper profiling will henceforth be treated as a criminal.
“The Anambra State Homeland Security law is very clear—we must know where every gun is and who is carrying it,” he emphasised, stressing that full identification of every security agent is a legal requirement.
“We urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, not just by known criminals, but also by questionable members of the security outfit.
“People should speak out when they see Agunechemba operatives misbehave. Record their location, identify their vehicles if possible, and we will ensure they are brought to justice,” he added.
Emeakayi reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring public trust in the security system and maintaining law and order across Anambra communities.
@The PUNCH