Anambra prohibits personnel of its state security agency from donning face coverings

A ban has been imposed on operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, prohibiting them from wearing masks while on duty, as directed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, on Thursday.

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This directive was issued to Agunechemba commanders from the 179 communities across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, who had gathered for a routine meeting in Awka, and it takes immediate effect.

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The primary goal of this ban is to prevent unscrupulous individuals from exploiting masks to commit violent crimes, according to a press statement released by the office of the security adviser on Friday.

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Previously, Agunechemba operatives wore masks with various designs and inscriptions during operations, but this practice has now been discontinued.

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Launched in 2025 with 2,000 personnel and 200 vehicles, Agunechemba is a statewide security outfit established through the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, aiming to combat crime using a community-based approach.

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Emeakayi warned that any personnel found flouting the order, except those on special assignments, would face arrest and disciplinary action, emphasizing the importance of adherence to this new rule.

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He stated that wearing masks can intimidate citizens and provide opportunities for criminal elements to commit crimes, which could be attributed to Agunechemba and its personnel.

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Emeakayi also pointed out that the operatives have nothing to fear, as they are already known to the communities they serve, and therefore, have no need to wear masks.

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He drew an analogy, asking if the operatives wear masks when socializing in public, such as when drinking beer, highlighting the unnecessary nature of wearing masks during operations.

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Emeakayi instructed the commanders to enforce the ban on mask-wearing, emphasizing that it is intended to prevent the potential misuse of masks by unscrupulous individuals to commit violent crimes.

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The special adviser also cautioned against the indiscriminate establishment of checkpoints on roads by Agunechemba operatives, stressing that such checkpoints must be strictly for security reasons and targeted at criminals.

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He directed that no permanent checkpoints should be set up on any particular road or route by personnel of the security group, and that commanders must assist in the fight against drug dealers in the state through intelligence-led operations.