The Anambra State Government has confirmed the identification and arrest of the members of the state security outfit who beat up and stripped a National Youth Service Corps member, Jennifer Elobor naked.
Newsmaxng reports that a video had surfaced online on Monday of the young female corps member whom the security operatives would be seen dragging, beating and tearing her clothes apart.
The video which went viral on Tuesday showed the men armed with guns. They had stormed the corps members’ lodge, accused them of being internet fraudsters despite showing their identification cards and uniforms.
The attack triggered outrage on social media, with many Nigerians and rights groups condemning the actions of the vigilante group and demanding justice for the victim.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, said the incident was unfortunate and unacceptable.
He confirmed that the operatives involved in the assault had been arrested and are currently under investigation.
According to him, the incident occurred during a joint security operation when operatives of Agbunechemba, the state security outfit established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, pursued suspected cultists into a residential compound.
He explained that the operation was part of Operation Udo Gachi, a code name for joint task force operations involving the police, army, Department of State Services, civil defence, and the state’s security outfit.
According to him, immediately the state government heard of the incident, it sprang into action and identified the operatives who carried out such act
He said; “The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding on 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.
“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 further disclosed that the assaulted corps member was invited to his office alongside NYSC officials, where he personally listened to their side of the story.
Therefore, Emeakayi stated that the government has concluded 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.
He further clarified the difference between Operation Udo Gatchi and Agbunechemba, explaining that the former is a joint security operation involving multiple agencies, while the latter is the state’s statutory security outfit created by law.
He assured residents of Anambra that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration will not condone any abuse of power by security agents, particularly against innocent citizens.
