The Anambra State Government has condemned the brutal assault on a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of a state-backed security outfit, confirming that those involved have been arrested and placed in detention.

The incident, captured in a viral video, showed armed operatives storming a corps member’s lodge, accusing the occupants of internet fraud despite their display of NYSC identification cards and uniforms. The footage revealed Ms Elobor being repeatedly beaten, stripped of her clothes, and left partly unclothed.

The disturbing scenes triggered outrage across social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice and accountability from the authorities.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” confirming that the operatives involved were under investigation.

“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,” he said.

Emeakayi disclosed that the government acted swiftly 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,” he explained.

He added that the victim, along with NYSC officials, was invited to his office, where their testimonies were taken.

“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.

Emeakayi clarified that Operation Udo Gatchi is a joint security task force comprising the police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the state’s vigilante outfit, Agbunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

He assured that Governor Soludo’s administration would not tolerate abuse of power by security operatives, especially against innocent citizens.