The Anambra State Government has condemned in strong terms the assault on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of a state security outfit, confirming that those involved have been arrested and detained.
The incident, captured in a viral video, showed armed operatives storming a corps members’ lodge and accusing the occupants of internet fraud despite their display of NYSC uniforms and identification cards. The footage further revealed the officers beating Ms. Elobor, tearing her clothes, and leaving her partly unclothed.
The disturbing video sparked widespread outrage on social media, with Nigerians demanding justice and accountability.
Speaking Tuesday on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that the operatives had been taken into custody and placed under investigation.
Mr. Emeakayi explained that the assault occurred during a joint security operation codenamed Operation Udo Gatchi, when officers, while chasing suspected cultists on motorcycles, entered a residential compound.
“The operatives were on the trail of suspected cultists 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.
He noted that the government acted swiftly 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.”
According to him, Ms. Elobor, alongside NYSC officials, had been invited to his office where testimonies were heard directly.
“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.
Mr. Emeakayi also clarified that Operation Udo Gatchi is a joint security task force made up of the police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the state’s own security outfit, Agbunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
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