Chioma Ifemeludike, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, has levied serious accusations against the state’s newly formed security outfit, Agunechemba. Ifemeludike alleges that the organization, established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in January 2025 under the Homeland Security Act, has deviated from its intended purpose of tackling insecurity and has instead become a source of human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and extortion. She cites specific incidents, including the shooting death of a woman in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, and the killing of a young man in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area, as evidence of the outfit’s alleged misconduct. Ifemeludike argues that the operatives, entrusted with firearms, are exploiting their power for personal gain, inflicting further suffering upon a population already burdened by economic hardship and police extortion.
Ifemeludike contends that the Anambra State government’s failure to establish effective oversight mechanisms has allowed Agunechemba’s alleged abuses to proliferate. She criticizes the lack of a supervisory board or committee to monitor the outfit’s activities and hold its members accountable. This absence of oversight, she argues, has effectively transformed Agunechemba into “armed robbers and kidnappers at night,” operating with impunity and terrorizing residents. Ifemeludike emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to curb the alleged excesses and restore public trust. She insists that the governor must take immediate action to investigate these allegations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In response to the allegations, Chief Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security and the official overseeing Agunechemba, refuted the claims of widespread misconduct. He clarified that Agunechemba operatives do not engage in roadblocks but rather conduct “pin down operations” at strategic locations. These operations, he explained, are designed to screen individuals and prevent criminal activity, not to extort money from the public. Emeakayi acknowledged the possibility of some “bad eggs” within the outfit but emphasized that an internal mechanism is in place to identify and remove such individuals. He urged the public to report any instances of misconduct, providing specific details such as location and vehicle plate numbers, to facilitate investigation and appropriate action.
Ifemeludike’s call for action extends beyond simply investigating the alleged abuses. She demands the establishment of a comprehensive system for verifying and identifying genuine Agunechemba officers, along with a readily accessible supervisory committee where citizens can lodge complaints via calls, messages, or video footage. Furthermore, she advocates for thorough training, sensitization, drug testing, and education for Agunechemba personnel. Underpinning her concerns is the belief that economic insecurity fuels criminal behavior. Ifemeludike argues that arming unemployed and economically disadvantaged youths without addressing their fundamental needs is a recipe for disaster. She highlights the importance of social security, economic development, and education as integral components of a comprehensive security strategy.
The clashing narratives presented by Ifemeludike and Emeakayi underscore the complexities of security challenges in Anambra State. While the government maintains that Agunechemba is a vital tool in combating crime, allegations of human rights violations and extortion raise serious concerns about the outfit’s operational methods and accountability. The absence of robust oversight mechanisms appears to have created an environment conducive to abuse, eroding public trust and potentially exacerbating the very insecurity the organization was intended to address. The situation calls for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the veracity of the allegations and to implement necessary reforms to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and the effective maintenance of law and order.
The future of Agunechemba and the broader security landscape in Anambra State hinge on the government’s response to these allegations. Ifemeludike’s threat to lead a protest to the Government House if no tangible changes are made underscores the urgency of the situation. The governor’s administration must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, thoroughly investigating the claims and taking decisive action to address any wrongdoing. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of Agunechemba’s operational procedures, coupled with the establishment of robust oversight mechanisms, is essential to restore public confidence and ensure that the organization fulfills its intended purpose of protecting, not harming, the citizens of Anambra State. The government must also consider the underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to insecurity, as highlighted by Ifemeludike, and implement strategies to address these root causes if lasting peace and stability are to be achieved.
