Insecurity: Anambra assembly passes homeland security bill

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill into law to enhance internal security and order in the state, establishing the ‘Anambra State Agunechemba’ security outfit and addressing related matters.

The bill, which outlines the creation and operation of the security outfit, successfully passed its first, second, and third readings during the Assembly’s plenary session on Thursday.

The Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended lawmakers for their dedication over the past months in deliberating and developing solutions to the state’s security challenges. He also praised the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for his commitment to ensuring Anambra remains safe and free from crime.

Lawmakers stated that the primary objective of the new outfit is to bolster security and combat crime across all communities in the state’s 21 local government areas.

The “Agunechemba” security outfit will operate at three levels—community, local government, and state, with the state-level command acting as the central authority.

The Majority Leader and Member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Ikenna Ofodeme, noted that the security outfit would provide critical intelligence on criminal activities to enable proactive measures.

Ofodeme said, “Anambra is not a safe haven for insecurity or crime. The ‘Agunechemba’ outfit will provide vital intelligence on criminal activities and take proactive steps to prevent crimes across the state.

“The outfit will address critical security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, drug abuse, cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.”

Other members, including Jude Ngobili (Ihiala Constituency One), Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha Constituency Two), and Anayo Okpaleke (Aguata Constituency One), emphasised the pivotal role the security outfit will play in safeguarding lives and property in the state.

The bill is set to come into effect on Friday, 17 January 2025.