The Anambra State Government has condemned the assault of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of the state security task force.
Authorities confirmed that the officers responsible have been arrested and are now in detention.
A viral video showed armed security operatives entering a corps members’ lodge. They accused the occupants of internet fraud, despite the display of NYSC ID cards and uniforms. The footage captured the officers repeatedly beating Ms Elobor, tearing her clothes, and leaving her partially unclothed. 
The video caused widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice and accountability.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable” and confirmed the operatives were under investigation.
He explained that the assault happened during a joint security operation called Operation Udo Gatchi. The officers were pursuing suspected cultists on motorcycles when they entered a residential compound.
“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,” Emeakayi said.
He added that the government acted quickly after 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.”
Emeakayi said the victim and NYSC officials were invited to give testimonies directly to the authorities.
“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 said.
He clarified that Operation Udo Gatchi is a joint security task force made up of police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the state’s security outfit, Agbunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.
Emeakayi assured the public that Governor Soludo’s administration will not tolerate any misuse of power by security personnel, especially against innocent citizens.
