By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The success story of the Agunechemba Security Squad in combating crime in Anambra State is reportedly being overshadowed by allegations of internal division and xenophobic profiling among its operatives.
Sources within the outfit allege growing tension between indigenous and non-indigenous personnel, claiming that the situation is beginning to undermine the squad’s effectiveness.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, accused the leadership of hijacking operational structures, including the deployment of personnel and commanders. The source further alleged that Directors of Operations have been sidelined and rendered ineffective in the discharge of their duties.
The source called on the state governor to urgently intervene, warning that the lingering indigene–non-indigene divide could erode the gains recorded by the security outfit within its short period of operation.
According to the source, the leadership is allegedly fostering division by marginalizing the Head of Operations due to his non-indigenous background.
The source cautioned that failure to address the crisis could lead to disorder within the organization and disrupt the state’s security architecture, thereby jeopardizing ongoing efforts to tackle banditry and other criminal activities.
It was also alleged that the Lion Building is now primarily being used as a detention facility, with the Head of Operations reportedly reduced to a custodian of detainees.
However, when contacted, the spokesperson of the Agunechemba Security Squad, Comrade Nweke Nweke, denied any knowledge of discrimination against non-indigenes.
He dismissed the allegations against the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, insisting that there is no form of bias within the outfit.
According to him, the perceived issues are the result of internal disagreements among some leaders rather than any systemic discrimination.
Nweke also cautioned against spreading what he described as unfounded rumours, warning that those attempting to incite discord would face consequences.
