Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has taken decisive action by dismissing eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit following the brutal assault and public humiliation of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Jennifer Elobor, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
The shocking incident, which was captured in a viral video and widely condemned by Nigerians, showed the vigilante operatives violently assaulting Elobor, tearing her clothes, and stripping her naked despite her repeated pleas and the intervention of eyewitnesses. The operatives had stormed the corps members’ lodge, accusing them of internet fraud, even after the victims displayed valid NYSC identification cards and uniforms.
Announcing the government’s decision on Wednesday in Awka, the state capital, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Hon. Ken Emeakayi, described the actions of the dismissed operatives as “barbaric, unlawful, and outside the mandate of the security agency.”
> “The Soludo administration will not tolerate any form of unprofessionalism, brutality, or abuse of office by security operatives. Any officer found guilty of misconduct will face immediate dismissal and prosecution,” Emeakayi declared.
He revealed that the dismissed operatives have been handed over to the police for prosecution, assuring the public that justice will be served.
In addition, the state government has fully settled the victim’s medical bills, replaced her damaged personal belongings including a laptop and phone, and tendered a formal apology to her family, the NYSC, and the Nigerian public.
Emeakayi further noted that the incident would mark a “turning point” in the reform of community security operations across the state.
> “This government is committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights in all security engagements,” he emphasized.
The viral footage, posted on Facebook by The Haven360 Foundation, has sparked outrage nationwide, with civil society groups, human rights advocates, and ordinary citizens demanding swift justice for Elobor.
Speaking earlier on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Emeakayi had described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that all suspects had been arrested and detained pending investigation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the conduct of vigilante groups in Nigeria, with many calling for stricter oversight, training, and accountability mechanisms to prevent future abuses.
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