Members of the Anambra State Community Vigilante security network, ‘Agunechemba’ have expressed concern over deteriorating morale and effectiveness due to the non-payment of salaries spanning three months. A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told 9News Nigeria that the operatives are growing increasingly disillusioned, attributing the situation to neglect by their leadership.
The operatives, working under the community security initiative led by Chief Ken Emeakayi, said the prolonged delay in salary payments has led to fatigue and reduced motivation. Chief Emeakayi was appointed as Special Adviser on Community Security by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
One of the operatives, speaking in a telephone interview with 9News Nigeria, described the situation as dire, citing risks taken daily in combating crime without adequate support or compensation. He noted that despite confronting armed criminals in remote areas, they struggle to provide for their families due to unpaid wages.
Security operatives appealed directly to Governor Soludo, urging him to intervene and ensure that their welfare is prioritized. According to them, the community security network had initially recorded successes against various criminal groups, including armed robbers, kidnappers, and suspected Fulani herdsmen operating in the forests of Anambra communities. These criminal elements are allegedly responsible for kidnappings, armed robberies, organ harvesting, and other crimes that have rendered some Anambra communities unsafe and uninhabitable.
Some villages have reportedly turned into ghost towns as a result of the alarming insecurity. Residents in affected communities have reportedly been displaced, with agricultural activities halted due to fears of attacks from these criminals who usually collaborate with elements from other states including suspected unknown gunmen and Fulani herdsmen.
With the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 2025, insecurity remains a critical concern for residents. The rising insecurity threatens to undermine the achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration, particularly in the area of community policing and infrastructure development.
In his effort to strengthen grassroots security, Governor Soludo officially swore in Chief Ken Okwuchukwu Emeakayi as Special Adviser on Community Security on October 29, 2024, at the Government House in Awka. During the ceremony, the governor emphasized the importance of community security, citing a rise in crimes such as robbery and cult-related violence. He expressed confidence in Emeakayi’s ability to bolster the state’s security architecture.
In another turn of events, three months after Emeakayi’s appointment, Governor Soludo relieved the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chikodili Anara (Igbak’igba), of his duties. The dismissal, reportedly due to incompetence, came six months after a similar move against the Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu.
Government sources indicated that Anara’s dismissal was likely influenced by the perceived effectiveness of Chief Emeakayi’s operations, which allegedly rendered the Homeland Security Commissioner’s role redundant. According to insiders, Anara failed to significantly curb criminal activities in the state despite having access to resources. The establishment of the Agunaechemba security outfit under Emeakayi has reportedly led to marked progress in combating insecurity.
Emeakayi is said to be quietly executing his responsibilities with notable results, prompting the administration to streamline its security leadership.
– 9News Nigeria (Awka)
