The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest and detention of members of its security outfit, Operation Udo Ga-Achi, also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, following the brutal assault and public stripping of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
Assault on NYSC member In Anambra “very wrong”— Police
A disturbing video, posted on Facebook by The Haven360 Foundation on Monday night and widely circulated on Tuesday, had shown more than five fully armed vigilantes storming the corps members’ lodge in Oba.
In the footage, the operatives accused Elobor and her colleagues of being internet fraudsters, despite the victims presenting valid NYSC identification cards and uniforms.
The video captured the vigilantes violently beating Elobor, tearing her clothes, and stripping her naked as she cried for help, while her colleagues and other eyewitnesses pleaded for the assault to stop.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the brutality and demanding justice.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Tuesday, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the assault as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that those responsible had been arrested and were being investigated.
“The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding on motorcycles when they pursued them into a compound,” Emeakayi explained.
“In the process of searching the houses in line with their mandate, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred. While they were acting within the law, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable.”
Emeakayi explained that the incident took place during Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a joint security operation involving the police, army, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s vigilante outfit, Agunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
He added that the government acted swiftly to address the assault.
“Immediately the incident happened, we arrested the operatives involved and placed them in detention,” he said.
“Our practice is to first carry out preliminary investigations, bring in the victims and complainants, and then determine whether the matter warrants internal disciplinary action or prosecution.”
He said that the victim, Elobor, was invited to his office alongside NYSC officials, where he personally listened to their account of the ordeal.
“Our conclusion is that while the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, the manner in which they acted was not acceptable. We have made that very clear, and disciplinary measures are being taken,” Emeakayi stated.
He further clarified the difference between Operation Udo Ga-Chi and Agbunechemba, noting that the former is a joint security operation while the latter is the state’s statutory security outfit created by law.
Emeakayi assured residents that Governor Soludo’s administration “will not condone any abuse of power by security agents, particularly against innocent citizens.” [with Channels TV and SaharaReporters reports]
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