There is no denying the fact that the establishment of the Agubnechemba, the security outfit created by the Anambra State Government, has virtually solved the security problem of the state.
Created under the umbrella of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, the outfit has quickly doused the menace of hoodlums in the state and restored sanity.
However, as with most good things in Nigeria, the activities of some unscrupulous elements within the outfit are threatening to undermine the good intentions behind its formation.
Indeed, complaints have started mounting against some of the activities of the members such as extortion of money from commercial drivers and arbitrary shooting and killing of citizens, notable among which were the accidental shootings of a girl in Mgbakwu about five weeks ago and the shooting of a woman in Nnewi two weeks ago. These were deaths that could have been avoided if the members of this outfit had exercised discipline.
Any doubts about unwholesome activities of some of the members of Agunechemba were dispelled by the recent affirmation of Mr Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Community Security, who recently lamented that criminals had infiltrated the state security outfit and were 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 had been extorting and harassing them with firearms and also mounting roadblocks to collect various sums of money from motorists.
Emeakayi had expressed disappointment over what he termed the infiltration of criminal elements into the Agunechemba ranks and assured that a comprehensive verification process was underway to identify and remove individuals tarnishing the agency’s image.
He said it was unacceptable for Agunechemba operatives to act with impunity and extort the same people they were meant to protect, pointing out that they were not authorised to mount road blocks or checkpoints.
His words, ‘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.’
Emeakayi warned that anyone claiming to be a security operative without undergoing proper profiling would 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 stated, insisting that full identification of every security agent remained a legal requirement.
He 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’s admission was indeed very commendable as it is difficult for leaders in these parts to own up to lapses. It showed that he is ready to listen to complaints and take action. His promise to weed out bad eggs from the outfit is very necessary and that should be done quickly in order for public trust in the outfit not to be eroded. It will be counter-productive to have thieves or criminals fighting crime as that will lead to unsavoury consequences.
Proper training should also be given to the outfit’s operatives by appropriate conventional security agencies. It is very necessary in order for them to operate professionally. We would not like anything to spoil the successes recorded so far against criminals in the state.
Lastly, the Anambra State Government should ensure that the families of those whose loved ones were killed are compensated, while those responsible should be made to face the law. Human life is sacred and things like taking of life, should not be swept under the carpet. Making those responsible to pay for their action will also ensure that others will learn from such, and exercise more restraint.
