Anambra State was rocked by outrage on Tuesday following the assault and stripping of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member by alleged security operatives.
A video circulating on social media showed the female corps member being flogged and stripped by gun-wielding men, prompting widespread condemnation. The incident reportedly occurred at a lodge in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
A source told reporters that the operatives stormed the NYSC members’ residence, targeting the female corps member, identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, and some of her colleagues, under the pretext that they were “yahoo people.”
In response, the Anambra State Government confirmed that the personnel involved have been arrested and are currently under investigation.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, described the assault as “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He explained that the incident occurred during a joint security operation, codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi, involving the police, army, DSS, Civil Defence, and the state’s Agbunechemba security outfit, operating under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025.
“The operatives were on the trail of suspected cultists riding motorcycles and chased them into a compound. In the process of searching the premises, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred,” Emeakayi said.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), condemned the assault, calling for safe cities for women and an end to impunity. “The viral video of the female corper in Anambra State is a stark call for accountability: those responsible must be held to account,” she said. “Every woman deserves respect for her dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy. Justice means protecting everyone’s humanity.”
The Anambra State Police confirmed that the assault was reportedly carried out by vigilante operatives. Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspects have been identified but that the absence of the alleged victim has temporarily slowed the investigation. He reiterated that assault in any form is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and warned that vigilante groups or quasi-security outfits will face consequences for abuses of authority.
Ikenga also reassured corps members across the state of the police’s commitment to their protection, urging them to report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention.
“The Command cautions vigilante groups against acts of brutality or abuse of authority. Any such misconduct will not be condoned,” he stated.
