From Protectors to Predators? : Criminal Infiltration Rocks Anambra’s Agunechemba Security Outfit

Anambra State’s ambitious grassroots security initiative, Agunechemba, launched to tackle insecurity and restore public order, is now under intense scrutiny following allegations of criminal infiltration. According to Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, rogue elements have compromised the integrity of the security outfit, with some operatives allegedly engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion.

The revelation comes amid rising complaints from local residents who claim that individuals parading themselves as Agunechemba officers have been mounting illegal roadblocks, brandishing firearms, and demanding bribes from motorists and commuters across the state.

The Agunechemba unit, along with Operation Udo-ga-chi, was rolled out earlier in January as part of a state-led response to combat increasing insecurity, complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police and other federal security agencies. But what was conceived as a bold step toward community-based policing is now being called into question.

In a widely circulated voice note shared across the state over the weekend, Emeakayi didn’t mince words in expressing his deep disappointment and concern.

"It is unacceptable for Agunechemba operatives to act with impunity and extort the same people they are meant to protect,” he said, emphasizing that the primary objective behind setting up the outfit was to protect communities and drive out criminal elements—not to torment the very citizens they swore to serve.

Emeakayi disclosed that several disturbing findings had emerged from ongoing internal investigations. Among them is the troubling reality that some of the so-called operatives never completed the official profiling and verification process required for induction into the force. According to him, these individuals have refused to submit themselves to scrutiny, raising red flags about their intentions and affiliations.

“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 noted. “Some masquerade as Agunechemba members by day, only to engage in armed robbery and kidnapping at night.”

The adviser stressed that anyone claiming to be part of Agunechemba without undergoing due verification would henceforth be treated as a criminal under state law.

“The Anambra State Homeland Security law is very clear—we must know where every gun is and who is carrying it,” he said. “Proper identification is not just a protocol, it’s a legal requirement.”

To address the public’s growing distrust, Emeakayi assured that a comprehensive vetting and cleanup operation is underway. The state government, he said, is committed to flushing out criminal infiltrators and restoring confidence in Agunechemba’s mission.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to document and report any suspicious behavior or misconduct by those claiming to be security operatives. “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 said.

As concerns continue to mount, the state administration appears determined to salvage what was once hailed as a community-centric approach to security. Emeakayi’s statements reflect a hard pivot toward accountability and reform in a bid to prevent further erosion of public trust.

The coming weeks may prove critical as Anambra authorities intensify efforts to weed out the bad actors and reposition Agunechemba as the people’s protector—not predator.