Anambra Leaders of Thought Laud Emeakayi, Agunaechemba over Awa Operation, Warn Against Politicization of Security

The Anambra Leaders of Thought (ANALT) have commended the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emekayi, and his team for their efforts in safeguarding communities across the state, particularly the recent successful operation in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The group, in a statement issued in Awka and signed by its President, High Chief Uzoma Anunihu, and Secretary, Mazi Chika Udemadu, praised Emeakayi, Igwe-elect Eze Chinenye Ihenko (Okpompi), Director of Operations, and Chief Monday Nwokoye Onwe, Commander of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Touting Unit, for their role in restoring security in several troubled communities.

While urging the team to sustain the momentum, ANALT cautioned them to steer clear of political distractions, particularly from individuals seeking governorship positions at all costs.

The group further appealed to Governor Soludo to continue supporting the Agunaechemba security outfit, especially in flashpoint areas such as Ogbaru, Orumba North, and Ihiala local government areas, where criminal activities persist.

ANALT also called for an upward review of the monthly allowance paid to Agunaechemba operatives—from the current ₦100,000 to ₦300,000—arguing that such an increment would serve as a morale booster for those who risk their lives to protect residents, particularly in the build-up to the 2025 governorship election.

The group expressed displeasure over calls for the disbandment of Agunaechemba due to the misconduct of a few operatives, stressing that no human organisation is without its “bad eggs.”

They warned that scrapping the outfit would have dire consequences, given the manpower challenges facing the state police command amid widespread insecurity.

“Before the emergence of Agunaechemba, about 18 local government areas in Anambra were overrun by criminals masquerading as ‘unknown gunmen.’

“Today, only two or three LGAs are still witnessing such criminal activities, thanks to the combined efforts of Agunaechemba and other security agencies,” the statement read.

ANALT specifically cautioned the Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate, Mr. Paul Chukwuma, against “attention-seeking” calls for the disbandment of the security outfit.

“We do not know when he became a human rights activist or an advocacy champion simply because he is running for governor. What has he said about other pressing national issues affecting Anambra State and Nigeria at large?” the group queried.

They further questioned Chukwuma’s silence following last week’s operation in Awa, where Agunaechemba neutralised four armed criminals and recovered four AK-47 rifles along with 12 SUVs hidden in a forest.

Drawing lessons from former governor Peter Obi’s administration, the group urged Soludo to incentivise operatives by publicly rewarding outstanding performances, such as cash bonuses for recovered arms. They also recommended providing insurance cover for those injured in the line of duty and adequate compensation for families of operatives who lost their lives.

They lamented reports that some operatives have not been paid for the past eight months, urging the governor to urgently address these concerns.

“Governor Soludo should match words with action and immediately attend to these pressing challenges, particularly the welfare of operatives injured in battle and the families of those who died in active service,” the group appealed.