Agunechemba: Quest for human security in Anambra State

By Okechukwu Nwanguma

The security situation in Anambra State, like much of Nigeria, remains a pressing concern. Kidnapping, cultism, drug abuse, gunmen attacks, and other violent crimes continue to endanger lives, cripple local economies, and deepen public despair.

In response, the Anambra State government enacted the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, repealing the Vigilante Law of 2014 and birthing a new security architecture – Agunechemba. The outfit, backed by a multi-agency task force codenamed Operation Udo-ga-chi, was conceived as a community-rooted force to restore peace and complement the overstretched Nigeria Police Force.

Agunechemba’s early days have not been without success. Documented interventions, such as the raid on a notorious hideout at Enugwu Agidi and the dislodgement of armed gangs entrenched in Ihiala communities for years, demonstrated their potential to reclaim space from criminals.

These gains were noted in Nextier’s 2025 Security Outlook and provided initial goodwill from citizens yearning for security.

Yet, beneath the commendations lies a troubling paradox. Violent incidents in Anambra reduced slightly in number compared to 2024, but deaths from such incidents doubled, according to Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database.

Worse still, a recent case of excessive force and assault on corps member Ms. Jennifer Elobor by Agunechemba operatives has severely dented the outfit’s credibility. This episode reflects a deeper structural problem: the persistence of rights abuses, lack of accountability, and operational weaknesses that have historically plagued similar security outfits across Nigeria.

For Agunechemba to fulfill its purpose – not just policing communities but enhancing human security – it must avoid repeating the errors of its predecessors. Drawing from RULAAC’s experience working on security sector accountability, several pathways are necessary:

1. Clear Legal and Institutional Frameworks:
The Anambra State Homeland Security Law provides the legal foundation for Agunechemba, but the mere existence of the law is not enough. The law must be operationalized through detailed regulations that clearly define the scope of powers, oversight mechanisms, disciplinary procedures, and safeguards for human rights. Without this, the outfit risks drifting into the same pattern of arbitrariness and impunity that undermined vigilante groups in the past.

2. Human Rights Training and Professionalization:
The assault on Ms. Elobor underscores the urgent need for structured training in human rights, rules of engagement, and proportional use of force. Operatives must be sensitized that protecting lives, not brutalizing citizens, is the ultimate measure of security. Recruitment should be transparent and merit-based, avoiding political patronage or the co-option of former vigilantes with histories of abuse.

3. Robust Oversight and Accountability:
Effective oversight distinguishes legitimate security actors from armed gangs. Agunechemba requires both internal disciplinary bodies and external civilian oversight mechanisms. The State House of Assembly, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and community representatives must be part of a framework that receives complaints, investigates abuses, and sanctions misconduct. A partnership with the Anambra State branch of the National Human Rights Commission would strengthen this process.

4. Integration with Formal Security Institutions:
Agunechemba cannot operate in isolation. Its effectiveness depends on clear coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and other statutory bodies. Intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and role delineation will reduce duplication, rivalry, and abuse. Agunechemba should complement – not compete with – federal security agencies.

5. Community Ownership and Trust-Building:
The legitimacy of any community security outfit rests on the trust of the people. Agunechemba must maintain transparent communication with communities, prioritize community needs, and avoid becoming an instrument of political intimidation. Citizens should feel protected, not threatened. Periodic town-hall meetings and feedback channels will help reinforce this trust.

6. Evaluation and Learning:
Finally, continuous monitoring and independent evaluation are essential. Beyond counting arrests and raids, performance metrics should include a reduction in fear of crime, improved community-police relations, and respect for human rights. Data-driven assessments by independent institutions like Nextier, in collaboration with civil society, can help identify gaps and adjust strategies.

The establishment of Agunechemba was a bold and necessary response to Anambra’s security challenges. But if it falls into the trap of unchecked power, abuses, and political capture, it will erode public confidence and deepen insecurity. The ultimate goal of security is not merely the absence of crime but the presence of justice, dignity, and human flourishing.

Anambra has an opportunity to model a new kind of community security that places human beings – not just territory – at the center. Properly situated, Agunechemba can become a symbol of protection and trust. Mishandled, it could ignite resentment and resistance. The choice lies with policymakers, security managers, and indeed, all Anambra citizens.

Nwanguma, Executive Director, RULAAC