The Government of Anambra State has issued a strong condemnation following the brutal assault of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ms. Jennifer Edema Elohor, by operatives of the state-backed Agunechemba Vigilante Group, also known as Operation Udo Ga-Achi.
The incident, which occurred on July 23, 2025, and was captured in a widely circulated video, showed armed vigilante operatives storming a corps members’ lodge and violently assaulting the occupants. Despite presenting valid NYSC identification and uniforms, Ms. Elohor was stripped naked, beaten, and subjected to degrading threats and humiliation.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, described the act as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that the operatives involved have been identified, arrested, and placed in detention pending further investigation.
“While the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, their conduct in that instance was not acceptable. Immediately the incident was reported, we moved swiftly to arrest the operatives and initiate disciplinary measures,” said Mr. Emeakayi.
The operation, part of a multi-agency security initiative involving the police, army, DSS, and civil defence, was reportedly targeting suspected cultists. However, the actions taken against the corps members have sparked national outrage and calls for justice from civil society groups and concerned citizens.
The Haven 360 Foundation, which first shared the video, condemned the attack as a violation of human dignity and national values, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for corps members serving in volatile regions.