Agunechemba Security Outfit Unveils Fresh Joint Operations to Combat Rising Violence in Lilu Community
The grassroots security platform Agunechemba has revealed comprehensive new security measures aimed at curbing violent crimes and restoring stability in the troubled Lilu community, located within Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. In an exclusive interview, the organization's leadership detailed coordinated efforts with multiple security agencies to address what has become a critical security situation in the region.
Escalating Violence and Community Displacement in Lilu
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 indicate a severe escalation of violence in Lilu community, with residents describing the area as a "warfront" due to rampant criminal activities. The security crisis has manifested through multiple devastating incidents that have left the community traumatized and displaced.
Recent violent attacks include:
- A December 7, 2025 attack on St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Isiokwe-Lilu that resulted in at least two fatalities, including the wife of the resident priest, multiple abductions, and the burning of church buildings and vehicles
- A subsequent December 30, 2025 incident where gunmen returned to hack a community member to death and abduct a palace chief
- Widespread reports of "unknown gunmen" conducting murder, abductions, arson, and armed robbery operations throughout the area
The security situation has become so dire that reports indicate up to 85% of residents in surrounding areas like Orsumoghu and parts of Lilu were forced into exile by late 2025, with nearly every household reporting at least one victim of kidnapping or murder. Criminals have been invading compounds, assaulting residents, and stealing valuables with alarming frequency.
Joint Security Taskforce Operations and Progress Claims
In response to this escalating crisis, Agunechemba has been working as part of the Udogachi Joint Taskforce, which includes police, army, navy, and other paramilitary agencies. According to Comerade Nweke Nweke, Media and Publicity Secretary of Agunechemba, this coordinated approach has already yielded significant results in reducing violent incidents.
Key security achievements highlighted include:
- Successful operations during the recent festive season that resulted in no gunshots attributed to unknown gunmen throughout the celebration period
- Previous security successes in other troubled Anambra communities like Mbosi, Utuh, Osieke-Okija, Ogbaru, Achala, and Awa in Orumba North
- A violence-free state governorship election attributed to these security efforts
Nweke emphasized that "Agunechemba is a member of Udogachi. Udogachi stands as a joint taskforce, with police leading. As Agunechemba, we're on ground security-wise. This is why all other federal government agencies rely on us for security reports and information."
Current Security Strategy for Lilu Community
The security outfit has made Lilu community its primary concentration area due to its particularly volatile situation and strategic location as a boundary community that enables criminals to easily cross into neighboring states. Nweke explained their current approach: "In Lilu in particular, we're taken control of the area. Presently, you'll hardly see our security vehicles in the streets. We've relocated them to Lilu and other bad spots."
While acknowledging the challenges posed by Lilu's geographical position, Nweke expressed confidence in their capabilities: "We're not assuring you of one hundred percent success, but we're making every effort to reduce crime to the barest minimum, with Lilu as our major concentration now, and we have what it takes to contain criminals in the area."
Government Support and Future Operations
Comerade Nweke commended Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Soludo for providing Agunechemba and the broader Udogachi taskforce with necessary equipment to combat criminals effectively. This support has strengthened their operational capacity and determination to address the security challenges in Lilu.
The security spokesperson issued a strong warning to criminals operating in the area: "The governor has pleaded with these bad boys to repent and leave the bush. The governor has given them the grace to repent and leave the bush. It is only animals that live in the bush; but since they have refused to leave the bush, Agunechemba will fish them out and treat them as animals."
Looking forward, Nweke promised significant developments: "We assure Anambra residents that in the next few weeks, they'll hear different story about Lilu community, and Ihiala in general." This statement indicates intensified operations are planned for the immediate future as security forces work to stabilize the volatile region.
Military Denials and Ongoing Investigations
Amid these security developments, the military has denied allegations of involvement in a recent death in Lilu community. Colonel Bitrus Madaki Yakubu, Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, dismissed viral video claims that soldiers were responsible for torturing and killing a youth in the area, describing the allegations as false attempts to tarnish the military's reputation.
Local community leaders have supported this denial, noting that the victim had been released by vigilantes before his death and that investigations are ongoing to determine the true circumstances surrounding the incident. This situation highlights the complex security environment in Lilu, where multiple actors are involved in maintaining order and addressing criminal activities.
As Agunechemba and joint security forces intensify their operations in Lilu community, residents remain hopeful that these coordinated efforts will finally bring lasting peace and security to an area that has suffered extensively from violent crimes and instability.
