The Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ken Emeakayi, has raised the alarm over the infiltration of Anambra’s newly formed security outfit, Agunechemba, by criminal elements posing as protectors.
In a strongly worded statement, Emeakayi expressed deep concern about the growing misconduct within the ranks, revealing that some operatives have allegedly turned into armed robbers and kidnappers under the cover of night.
“The reason the governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, established Agunechemba and Operation Udo ga achi, is to drive away criminals in the state. It is not for the operatives to start tormenting people they are expected to protect,” he said.
He further disclosed that some members of the outfit have been extorting residents at gunpoint, a development that directly undermines the purpose of the initiative.
“We have found out that some of the people work as Agunechemba during the day and become kidnappers and armed robbers at night.”
Emeakayi attributed part of the problem to operatives who have refused to undergo verification and profiling, which is mandatory for payment and accountability.
“Some of the operatives claim that they have not been paid and that is because they have refused to present themselves for verification as required by law. They have been dodging from this verification exercise since January.
“Those who want to be paid should go for profiling to enable us know if they are actually members of Agunechemba and to ensure that they do not have questionable character.”
Sounding a stern warning, Emeakayi said unverified individuals posing as operatives will be treated as criminals.
“Very soon, anybody who claims to be a security operative in any community in Anambra State without subjecting himself to the profiling process, will be treated like a criminal because such a person has something to hide.”
He emphasized the importance of strict tracking of firearms and identification of all operatives under the Anambra State Homeland Security law.
“The Anambra State Homeland Security law is very clear on the issue of knowing where every gun in the state is at any point in time and those keeping them. We must know the full identity of everyone who claims to be a security operative in the state.”
Calling for public vigilance, he urged residents to speak out against any misconduct or complicity by those entrusted with securing their communities.
“We are, therefore, pleading that people should be alert and expose any shortcoming they discover on the part of the operatives.”
“People should speak out when they see operatives of Agunechemba misbehave. There is Agunechemba in every community, local government areas and at the state level. Once you notice any wrongdoing on their part, record the place and if possible, identify their vehicle and they will be dealt with according to the law,” he added.
