THE Anambra State Government has strongly condemned the assault on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of the state’s security outfit.
It confirmed that those responsible for the attack have been identified, arrested, and detained.
A viral video circulated on Tuesday showed armed operatives storming a corps members’ lodge, accusing occupants of being internet fraudsters despite their identification cards and uniforms.
The operatives were seen beating Elobor, tearing her clothes in the process and leaving her exposed as she cried for help.
The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the victim and criticising the actions of the vigilante group.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable”. He confirmed that the operatives involved had been arrested and placed under investigation.
According to him, the incident occurred during a joint security operation under Operation Udo Gatchi, when operatives of Agbunechemba — the state security outfit established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025 — pursued suspected cultists into a residential compound.
“The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding motorcycles when they pursued them into a compound. 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,” he said.
Emeakayi noted that the government acted immediately once the incident was reported.
“Immediately the incident happened, we arrested the operatives involved and placed them in detention. 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 explained.
He disclosed that the assaulted corps member had been invited to his office alongside NYSC officials, where he personally listened to their account.
“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,” he added.
Clarifying the structure of security operations in the state, Emeakayi explained that Operation Udo Gatchi is a joint task force involving the police, army, Department of State Services, civil defence, and the state’s security outfit, while Agbunechemba remains the statutory security body established by law.
He assured residents that Governor Soludo’s administration would not tolerate any abuse of power by security operatives, particularly against innocent citizens.
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