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 humiliation of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
A disturbing video, posted by The Haven360 Foundation on Facebook Monday night and widely circulated the following day, shows more than five armed vigilante officers forcefully entering the NYSC lodge in Oba. In the footage, the operatives accuse Elobor and her colleagues of internet fraud, even as they present valid NYSC ID cards and uniforms.
The video captures the operatives beating Elobor, tearing off her clothes, and stripping her naked while she cries for help. Her colleagues and other onlookers can be heard pleading for the attack to stop.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians condemning the brutality and calling for justice.
Speaking Tuesday on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that those involved had been arrested and placed under investigation.
According to Emeakayi, the operatives were pursuing suspected cultists on motorcycles when they chased them into a residential compound. “While conducting a search in line with their mandate, the regrettable incident involving the corps member occurred,” he said. “Though they were acting under legal authority, their behavior in that moment was entirely unacceptable.”
He noted that the incident happened during a joint security operation—Operation Udo Ga-Achi—which includes the police, army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the state’s vigilante group, Agunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025.
Emeakayi emphasized that the government acted swiftly in response. “Immediately after the incident, the operatives involved were arrested and detained. We’ve launched a preliminary investigation, invited the victims and relevant parties, and are now determining whether internal disciplinary action or prosecution is warranted.”
Elobor and NYSC officials were invited to his office, where Emeakayi said he listened to their account firsthand. “Our conclusion is that while the security team was on a legitimate assignment, their handling of the situation was entirely wrong. We’ve made this clear, and disciplinary steps are underway.”
He also clarified the distinction between Operation Udo Ga-Achi—a broader joint task force—and Agunechemba, the state’s legally recognized vigilante body.
Emeakayi assured the public that Governor Soludo’s administration will not tolerate abuse of power by any security agents, particularly against innocent civilians.
