Anambra State’s local security outfit, Agunechemba, has stormed and dismantled camps operated by suspected gunmen in Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of the state.
The successful operation underscores the commitment of the Agunechemba Security Squad to combating insecurity and restoring peace across Anambra State.
During the operation, the operatives recovered a cache of sophisticated weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and a locally made rocket launcher. The recovered arms were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Army.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for establishing and supporting the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Army would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies, including Agunechemba, in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.
The Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, Mr. Nweke Nweke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
He attributed the success of the operation to effective intelligence gathering and sustained undercover operations carried out by the outfit at major security flashpoints across the Anambra South Senatorial District over the past few days.
According to him, “This gesture reflects the firm’s commitment to fighting crime and enhancing security in the state.”
He explained that the handover ceremony took place at the office of the Director of Operations in Awka and was led by the Director of Operations, Chief Chinenye Ihenko.
Nweke said the Director of Operations described the transfer of the recovered weapons to the Nigerian Army as a significant step towards strengthening the existing partnership between the military and Agunechemba.
He noted that Chief Ihenko emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration with federal security agencies and pledged that Agunechemba would continue to work closely with all security stakeholders to enhance safety and security across the state.
Chief Chinenye Ihenko, who represented the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, described the recovery of the weapons as one of Agunechemba’s most significant achievements in the fight against banditry and violent crime.
He assured residents that the outfit would remain steadfast in carrying out its responsibilities under the Anambra State Homeland Security framework.
Ihenko, popularly known as Okpompi, praised the professionalism and bravery displayed by the operatives during the operation, noting that no member of the security team was injured despite coming under attack from armed criminals.
“This operation ranks among our greatest achievements. Our personnel performed exceptionally well without recording any casualty. When confronted by our operatives, the gunmen fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their weapons,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the unwavering support given to Agunechemba, adding that the support has strengthened the outfit’s resolve to reclaim communities previously occupied by criminal elements, particularly in Orumba North, Orumba South, Ihiala and Ogbaru Local Government Areas.
He also called on residents to continue supporting the security outfit through the provision of credible intelligence and prayers, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies and the public.
Commending the achievements of the State Homeland Security initiative, the Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who also heads Agunechemba’s Investigation Unit, praised the state government for adequately funding homeland security operations.
He noted that the enactment of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law has continued to yield positive results, as demonstrated by the successes recorded by Agunechemba.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha, Colonel Buteus M. Yakubu, represented by Lieutenant P. O. Idowu, conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the remarkable achievements recorded by Agunechemba.
He stated that the Nigerian Army was satisfied with the growing collaboration among the military, the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, and Agunechemba in addressing security challenges in the state.
He assured the state government and the Agunechemba Security Outfit of the Nigerian Army’s continued support in tackling criminal activities.
“I will convey your commendable efforts to Colonel Buteus M. Yakubu, who will, in turn, brief the military high command. I am confident that Agunechemba will continue to receive the necessary support whenever the need arises,” Lieutenant Idowu stated.
The event ended with the formal handover of the recovered weapons, comprising two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and a locally made rocket launcher, to the Nigerian Army. It also featured exchanges of goodwill among officers of the Nigerian Army, the leadership of Agunechemba, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and officials of the State Homeland Security structure.
About Author
