By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has inaugurated the State Supervisory Committee to oversee the activities and operations of the newly launched security outfit in the state, Agụnechemba, popularly known as Operation Udo Ga-Achị.
The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Tuesday, followed the recent inauguration of similar committees for the Operation at both the community and local government levels across the state. This move, according to the Governor, is aimed at establishing a robust and coordinated security framework to address insecurity and maintain peace and order in various communities.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Soludo emphasized that the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that effective supervision is pivotal to achieving the primary objectives of Agụnechemba. He described the establishment of the State Supervisory Committee as a fundamental step towards ensuring that the security outfit functions in a structured and law-abiding manner.
According to him, the Agụnechemba initiative represents a community-driven security model that leverages local participation to tackle security challenges from the grassroots level. The Governor noted that the involvement of traditional institutions, local leaders, and security experts in the committee underscores the administration’s resolve to involve key stakeholders in the security management process.
Continuing, he said that the committee’s mandate is clearly outlined in the law establishing Agụnechemba, adding that the committee will ensure the uniform registration and coordination of all Agụnechemba units and their members in accordance with legal provisions. He further disclosed that the committee will also monitor the activities of various Agụnechemba units across the communities and local governments to ensure they operate effectively and lawfully.
The Governor described the committee as a high-powered supervisory body, comprising critical stakeholders whose collective responsibility is to sustain the success of the security outfit. According to him, the State Supervisory Committee consists of the Governor or a designated representative as Chairman; the Commissioner in charge of Homeland Security (if any); the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security (if any); a representative of the Nigerian Police Force; a representative of the Department of State Security (DSS); a representative of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Security; the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers or a representative; the Secretary or Legal Adviser (typically the State Counsel from the Ministry of Justice); the Mayors of the 21Local Government Areas, and any other members appointed by the Governor.
While emphasizing the broad-based composition of the committee, Governor Soludo explained that it was designed to foster collaboration and synergy among security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders. He noted that the inclusion of various stakeholders was deliberate to ensure that Agụnechemba operates as a unified and accountable entity.
The Governor further outlined the functions of the State Supervisory Committee, stating that the body is mandated to advise the Governor on Agụnechemba’s programs and activities, ensure the provision of necessary materials to the Central Command of Agụnechemba, and intervene in areas where there are challenges in setting up units. Additionally, the committee is to conduct periodic audits, identify operational needs, maintain synergy among the units, and document a comprehensive database of all members, arms, and equipment of Agụnechemba.
He also pointed out that the committee will intervene in any conflicts between Agụnechemba units and other security agencies, thereby maintaining cordial relationships and cooperation. He noted that the committee will also address issues of misunderstandings within the units or between Agụnechemba and local authorities, with the goal of maintaining peace and unity in their operations.
Governor Soludo highlighted that with the State Supervisory Committee now inaugurated, the security outfit is set to commence its full-scale operations across the state. He reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to enhancing community safety and security, stressing that the committee would be fully supported to discharge its duties effectively.
The Governor also charged the committee members to exhibit integrity, dedication, and a high sense of responsibility in discharging their duties. He noted that the successful implementation of Agụnechemba’s objectives, significantly depends on the committee’s ability to coordinate effectively and enhance a peaceful environment across communities.
While commending the committee members for accepting the call to serve, Governor Soludo expressed confidence that their collective effort would significantly boost the state’s security architecture. He further urged community members to cooperate with the security outfit and report any suspicious activities to aid the security team in achieving its mandate.
Concluding, Governor Soludo officially declared the State Supervisory Committee inaugurated, reiterating that the collective effort of all stakeholders remains crucial to the sustainability and success of Agụnechemba.
The event was attended by key government officials, security personnel, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders who lauded the Governor’s proactive approach to community security and pledged their unalloyed support to the Agụnechemba initiative.
With the inauguration of the State Supervisory Committee, the Agụnechemba security outfit is now fully structured to begin its community-driven operations, bringing renewed hope for a safer and more peaceful Anambra State.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, recalls that shortly after assenting to the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, Governor Soludo, on Saturday, January 18, launched Operation Udo Ga-Achị, as part of his strategic moves to address the rising insecurity in the state at the time.
It was further gathered that, while the Operation has significantly reduced the crime rate and sacked good number of criminal elements in the state since its launch, some of their activities and operational approaches have also been trailed by some unhealthy reports, public outcries and allegations bordering on their excesses, extortion, and other unprofessional conducts, hence making the inauguration of the State Supervisory Committee by the Governor a right step in the right direction.
