Governor Soludo’s Security Adviser Warns Personnel Against Intimidating Residents, Misusing Weapons
The Anambra State Government has banned operatives of the state-owned security outfit, Agunaechemba, from wearing masks while carrying out operations across the state, warning that anyone who violates the directive will face arrest and disciplinary action.
The order was issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, during a meeting with commanders of the security outfit drawn from the 179 communities across the 21 local government areas of the state.
According to a statement released on Friday by the office of the security adviser, the directive takes immediate effect and is part of efforts to prevent criminal elements from hiding under the identity of the security outfit to commit violent crimes and intimidate residents.
Before the ban, many Agunaechemba operatives were known for covering their faces with different types of masks carrying various designs and inscriptions during patrols and operations.
Speaking during the meeting in Awka, Emeakayi strongly criticised the practice, insisting that any operative wearing a mask during routine operations, especially within towns and residential communities, could be perceived as hiding questionable intentions.
He explained that security personnel should not create fear among the same citizens they are meant to protect, warning that criminals could easily disguise themselves with masks and commit offences that may later be blamed on Agunaechemba operatives.
The security adviser reminded the operatives that they already live among the people and are well known within their communities as security personnel, stressing that there was no reason for them to conceal their identities while carrying out lawful duties.
Emeakayi also condemned the habit of some operatives carrying firearms to drinking joints and public relaxation spots, questioning the motive behind such behaviour.
He warned that the state government would strictly enforce the no-mask directive and ensure any operative found violating the order is arrested and punished unless assigned to a special operation officially requiring concealment.
The adviser further cautioned the operatives against indiscriminate mounting of checkpoints on roads across the state.
According to him, checkpoints must only be established for genuine security operations targeted at criminal activities and not for harassing innocent motorists, extorting road users or causing unnecessary obstruction.
He also directed that no checkpoint should become permanent on any road or route within the state, adding that commanders must ensure their men operate professionally and within the law.
Emeakayi urged the commanders to intensify intelligence gathering and support the state government’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and other criminal activities through community-based policing strategies.
Agunaechemba was launched in 2025 under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law with over 2,000 personnel and 200 operational vehicles as part of the Soludo administration’s efforts to strengthen local security and combat rising criminal activities across the state.
