The Anambra State security outfit, Agunaechemba, has been banned from wearing masks while on duty, authorities said.
The directive was issued Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, during a meeting with Agunaechemba commanders in Awka, according to a statement released Friday.
Emeakayi said the order takes immediate effect and is intended to prevent criminals from disguising themselves as operatives to commit violent acts.
Commanders from 179 communities across the state’s 21 local government areas attended the meeting.
Before the ban, operatives routinely wore masks with various designs and inscriptions during operations.
Agunaechemba, launched with 2,000 personnel and 200 vehicles, is a state-backed security outfit created under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law in 2025 to combat crime through a community-based policing approach.
Emeakayi warned that any operative who violates the directive, except those on special assignments, will be arrested and disciplined.
“Henceforth, Agunaechemba operatives must stop wearing masks,” he said. “Any operative carrying out his duty with a mask, especially within town in civil cases, is hiding something.”
He said the use of masks by security operatives could intimidate residents and allow criminals to disguise themselves as officers.
“By operating with masks, security operatives can scare citizens, while criminal elements can also take advantage of it and perpetrate crime,” he said.
“You have nothing to fear. All of you live in various localities, and people already know you as security men.”
Emeakayi also cautioned operatives against taking weapons to public drinking spots, saying disciplinary action would be taken against violators.
He further warned against the indiscriminate establishment of checkpoints, saying they must be intelligence-driven and not used to harass motorists.
“No checkpoint will be mounted permanently on any particular road or route,” he said. “The commanders must also assist in the fight against drug dealers in the state through intelligence-led operations.”
