A security group, the Anambra Security Network (ASN) has decried the poor treatment of operatives of the Anambra Vigilant Group (AVG), bemoaning the increasing security lapses in the State, resulting in resurgence of kidnapping and other criminal activities of late.
The group in a statement on Saturday, in Awka, called on the Anambra State Government and wealthy Anambrarians to encourage the members of AVG by paying them good salaries.
The statement signed by the President of ASN, Col. Jude Obi Rtd, said presently AVG operatives are paid N100,000 each, which they claimed is too small, considering the harsh economic situation of the country and the risk associated with their job.
The group said that AVG operatives’ salaries should be increased to N200,000 to N300,000 each or more, to ameliorate the prevailing economic hardship.
The group also called for the equipping of the security outfits with new operational vehicles, as most vehicles they are using are either obsolete or damaged by tear and wear.
Identifying the sacrifices of the AVG in containing high-profile crimes in the state, with many of them paying the supreme sacrifice, the group said they need to be encouraged to do more through the provision of necessary materials such as arms and ammunition.
“The government should provide incentives and platform for insurance to protect them in the case of death or fatal lacerated injuries,” it said.
The group also called for the retraining of the AVG operatives for efficient and effective operation, warning that if on or before October 2024, their monthly salary were not reviewed upwards, they will definitely embark on withdrawal protests to attract government attention to their present economic predicaments.
ASN advised Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to immediately create security networks along the Ogbunka-Umunze sector, Agulu-Nanka-Umuchu sector, Ogbaru-Ogwuaniocha sector, Azia-Lilu sector, and Otuocha-Anam sector, to checkmate the resurgence of criminal activities.
“The governor should also use at least only one-month security vote monies running into billions of naira to address ongoing security challenges,” Col Obi warned.
