The Anambra State Government has banned operatives of the state-backed security outfit, Agunechemba, from wearing masks while on duty.
The directive was issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, during a meeting with commanders drawn from the 179 communities across the state’s 21 local government areas.
According to a statement released on Friday, the order takes immediate effect and is aimed at stopping criminal elements from hiding under the cover of the security outfit to commit crimes.
Before now, many Agunechemba operatives carried out operations with their faces covered using customised masks bearing different designs and inscriptions.
Emeakayi warned that any operative found violating the directive except those on special assignments would face arrest and disciplinary action.
“Any operative carrying out duties with a mask, especially within communities and during civil operations, is hiding something,” he said.
He added that masked operatives often create fear among residents and could make it easier for criminals to impersonate security personnel.
“You live among the people, and they already know you as security operatives. When some of you go to relaxation spots or drinking joints, you don’t wear masks. So why cover your faces while working?” he asked.
The security adviser also criticised the habit of some operatives carrying weapons to bars and public hangouts, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.
Agunechemba was launched in 2025 under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law as a community-based security network designed to strengthen local policing and tackle rising crime across the state.
The outfit began operations with about 2,000 personnel and 200 vehicles.
Emeakayi further directed commanders to stop indiscriminate roadblocks and checkpoints, stressing that any checkpoint must serve genuine security purposes and not become a tool for harassing motorists or extorting road users.
“No checkpoint should become permanent on any road,” he said, adding that operatives must also support efforts against drug trafficking through intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
