Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s flagship security initiative, launched to rid Anambra State of violent crime and restore public confidence, is facing growing scrutiny as victims, families and human rights advocates level grave allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detention, extortion, destruction of property and other serious abuses against operatives of Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Udogachi) and the Agunechemba vigilante network.
The security architecture, established under the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, was unveiled as a technology-driven strategy to combat insecurity through a 2,000-man security force supported by artificial intelligence surveillance systems, advanced tracking technology and a central command-and-control centre.
However, while the initiative has been credited in some quarters with confronting criminal activities, a series of disturbing allegations from residents across the state has cast a shadow over its operations, with critics accusing some operatives of acting outside the law and with little accountability.
Victims and their families allege unlawful shootings, torture, extortion, prolonged detention without trial, illegal demolition of homes, assaults on women and children, and extrajudicial executions. Rights advocates argue that despite repeated public complaints spanning several months, there has been little indication of comprehensive independent investigations or prosecution of officers implicated in the alleged abuses.
One of the most disturbing allegations emerged from Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, where a widow accused the local Udogachi commander of orchestrating the shooting of her son after she allegedly rejected his romantic advances.
The woman, who spoke during an interview with content creator Ebube Joseph over the June 22, 2026 incident, said she was trading at Nkwo Market when she received a call informing her that Udogachi operatives were attacking her son.
According to her, she rushed to the scene only to find about five armed operatives allegedly assaulting her son with machetes while the local vigilante chairman watched.
She further alleged that when she attempted to intervene, she was slapped, assaulted and humiliated before both of them were taken to the local government secretariat, where the abuse allegedly continued.
The widow claimed that operatives also forced their way into neighbouring homes while searching for her son, breaking doors and accusing residents of recording their activities.
She alleged that she was beaten again inside the secretariat, her mobile phone destroyed, and later transferred alongside her injured son to the Udogachi headquarters in Awka.
According to her, her son, whom she insisted was unarmed, was eventually shot in both legs.
She further claimed that after the shooting, the local chairman personally took her son to hospital, donated blood for him and pleaded for forgiveness.
The widow insisted the attack was motivated by her refusal to enter into a romantic relationship with the commander.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the victim, Anizoba Peter Chinemelum, narrated how the incident unfolded.
He said operatives stormed the family compound while pursuing one of his brothers and allegedly assaulted younger children using gun butts.
According to him, one operative slapped his mother while threatening his elderly grandmother.
He said he only came outside after learning that his mother had been assaulted.
The victim alleged that as he attempted to leave the compound after being ordered outside, the local chairman opened fire, shooting him in one leg before firing again and shattering the other.
He further claimed that at least six other residents sustained gunshot injuries from stray bullets during the incident.
Public outrage intensified again in June 2026 after a viral video surfaced online allegedly showing Udogachi operatives brutally torturing a resident, with one officer repeatedly striking the victim with a machete.
The footage renewed widespread concerns over allegations of torture and excessive use of force by some members of the security outfit.
Earlier, in May 2026, youths and women staged protests in Awka over the killing of a 26-year-old resident popularly known as Akidi.
Residents alleged that the victim was killed by operatives attached to SASA and Udogachi in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area, triggering demonstrations and renewed calls for justice.
The controversy surrounding the security outfits dates back even further.
In February 2025, residents of Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area accused Agunechemba operatives of killing three construction workers identified as Malachy Chimaobi Iwuanyanwu, Odinkalu Chinonso and Kosisochukwu after allegedly branding them as “unknown gunmen.”
Community members insisted the victims were working at a construction site when they were shot, with one reportedly originating from Isuofia, Governor Soludo’s hometown.
The incident provoked widespread outrage within the community.
Another case that attracted nationwide condemnation occurred in July 2025 when armed Udogachi operatives allegedly invaded a National Youth Service Corps lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The operatives reportedly accused corps members of internet fraud before allegedly assaulting several occupants and stripping a female corps member, Jennifer Elobor, naked.
The incident drew sharp criticism from civil society organisations and human rights groups.
The succession of allegations has fuelled mounting calls for accountability and an independent judicial inquiry into the activities of Operation Udo Ga-Achi and Agunechemba.
Human rights advocates maintain that while government has a constitutional responsibility to confront insecurity, security operatives must remain subject to the rule of law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights, including the rights to life, dignity, liberty and fair hearing.
They argue that without transparent investigations and accountability for alleged abuses, public confidence in Anambra’s security architecture may continue to erode despite its stated objective of restoring peace across the state.