State Security Vs Federal Security: The Case of Agunechemba Controversy in Anambra State

This paper examines the legal and constitutional implications of the Agunechemba Security Network (ASN), a regional security outfit established by the Anambra State Government in 2025 to combat rising insecurity in southeastern Nigeria. Drawing on the principles of legal positivism and federalism theory, the study explores the tension between Nigeria’s centralized security architecture, enshrined in Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution, and the increasing demand for decentralized, state-controlled security formations. Through a doctrinal legal analysis of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law and comparative references to other regional outfits such as Amotekun and Hisbah, the paper identifies constitutional violations, risks to civil liberties, and potential threats to national cohesion. The findings reveal that while ASN responds to genuine local security needs, it operates outside the bounds of existing constitutional frameworks, raising concerns about legality, accountability, and human rights compliance. The paper recommends a structured approach to security reform, including constitutional amendment to legalize state policing, a federal regulatory framework for state security outfits, stronger human rights safeguards, and increased judicial oversight. Ultimately, the study argues that sustainable security in Nigeria requires a recalibrated federal system that aligns legal legitimacy with localized effectiveness, rather than reactive regional militarization.