The Anambra State Government has prohibited Agunechemba security operatives from wearing masks while on duty, effective immediately. The directive was issued on Thursday by Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, during a meeting with commanders from the 179 communities across the state's 21 Local Government Areas. According to a statement released Friday by Emeakayi's office, the ban is intended to prevent criminals from impersonating security personnel under the cover of masks. Emeakayi stated that any operative caught wearing a mask during routine duties, except those on approved special assignments, would be arrested and face disciplinary action. "Henceforth, Agunechemba operatives must stop wearing masks. Any operative carrying out his duty with a mask, especially within towns in civil cases, is hiding something," he said. He added that mask-wearing could intimidate residents and create opportunities for criminal acts falsely attributed to the agency. Emeakayi emphasized that community members already recognize the operatives, so concealment is unnecessary and suspicious. He also warned against the arbitrary establishment of road checkpoints, stressing that such measures must be intelligence-driven and not used to harass motorists. Commanders were instructed to prioritize targeted, intelligence-based operations rather than visible, disruptive tactics.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The ban on masks for Agunechemba operatives exposes a contradiction in the state's security approach—while seeking transparency, it risks undermining operatives who may need anonymity in high-risk operations. Emeakayi's assertion that masked officers are "hiding something" assumes all duties are public-facing, ignoring scenarios where concealment is tactical. The restriction, paired with limits on checkpoints, may weaken the outfit's ability to respond covertly to threats. This could embolden criminal elements who operate without such visibility constraints.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →