Anambra Govt Arrests Vigilantes Who Brutally Assaulted, Publicly Stripped Female Corps Member Naked

The Anambra State Government has announced the arrest and detention of some operatives of its security outfit, Operation Udo Ga-Achi, popularly known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, after they were caught on video assaulting and publicly stripping a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.

Chronicles Reporters had earlier reported that a disturbing video, first posted on Facebook by The Haven360 Foundation on Monday night and widely shared on Tuesday, showed more than five heavily armed vigilantes invading the corps members’ lodge in Oba.

In the footage, the security men accused Elobor and her fellow corps members of being internet fraudsters, even though the victims displayed their NYSC uniforms and valid identification cards.

The video also captured the operatives viciously beating Elobor, tearing her clothes, and stripping her naked, despite her cries for help. Other corps members and residents who witnessed the assault could be heard pleading with the vigilantes to stop.

The incident quickly provoked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the brutality and demanding accountability from the authorities.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the incident as both “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He confirmed that those involved had been arrested and placed under investigation.

According to him, “The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding motorcycles when they entered a compound. While searching the houses as part of their mandate, the unfortunate incident with the corps member happened. Although they were carrying out their duty, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable.”

Emeakayi explained that the assault occurred during Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a joint security operation that includes the police, army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the state vigilante outfit, Agunechemba, which was established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

He emphasized that the government acted immediately after the matter was reported.

“Once the incident came to our attention, we arrested the operatives involved and kept them in custody,” he said. “Our procedure is to conduct preliminary investigations, hear directly from the victims and complainants, and then decide whether internal disciplinary measures or full prosecution should follow.”

Emeakayi also revealed that he personally invited Elobor and NYSC officials to his office, where he listened to their detailed account of the assault.

“Our finding is clear: while the operatives were on a legitimate mission, the way they handled the situation was completely wrong. We have made that known, and disciplinary steps are already being taken,” he assured.

He further clarified that Operation Udo Ga-Achi should not be mistaken for Agunechemba, noting that the former is a joint security initiative, while the latter is a statutory outfit established by law in Anambra State.

Emeakayi stressed that Governor Soludo’s administration will not tolerate abuse of power by any security agency, especially when innocent citizens are the victims.

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