…the viral video of the assault has sparked outrage far beyond Anambra.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Anambra State Government has strongly condemned the recent assault on a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by operatives of Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a security outfit operating in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. The incident, captured in a video widely circulated on social media, has generated outrage across the country, prompting assurances from the state that justice will be served.
In a statement signed by Law Mefor, PhD, Commissioner for Information, on Tuesday, the government expressed deep concern over the treatment meted out to the corps member, describing it as both disturbing and unacceptable.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and harassment on these young Nigerians, who are serving their country with dedication and patriotism,” the statement read.
The Anambra State Government explained that Operation Udo Ga-Achi, alongside another security outfit, Agunechemba, were established under the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 to safeguard lives and property, not to unleash violence on innocent citizens.
Since their creation on January 18, 2025, the two outfits have been credited with helping to maintain law and order in the state. However, the government stressed that the actions of the operatives involved in the assault were a clear violation of their mandate and code of conduct.
“Any form of assault perpetrated by any member of the security outfits is outside their code of conduct, and all those involved, particularly in the incident under reference, will face the full weight of the law,” Mefor stated.
Acknowledging the anxiety generated by the incident, the government moved quickly to reassure corps members and the general public that they have nothing to fear. According to the statement, the state remains committed to ensuring the safety of all NYSC members deployed to Anambra for their one-year national service.
“The government wishes to reassure members of the public, particularly Youth Corps members in Anambra for their national service, that they have nothing to fear from the state’s security outfits, Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi – and should go about their lawful activities without fear,” the commissioner affirmed.
This assurance comes amid growing calls from civil society organizations, student unions, and youth groups demanding protection for corps members, many of whom serve in volatile communities across the country.
The state government also commended the swift intervention of the Nigeria Police Force and the leadership of Operation Udo Ga-Achi in arresting those involved in the assault. The arrested operatives are expected to face trial, with authorities promising a speedy dispensation of justice.
The government urged the victims of the attack to cooperate fully with investigators to ensure that the case is pursued to its logical conclusion.
By openly condemning the assault, the Anambra Government has sought to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and the rule of law. Analysts note that such swift condemnation is crucial in restoring public confidence, particularly as security outfits created to address crime have sometimes faced allegations of excesses.
The statement also emphasized that the role of the state’s security agencies is to protect law-abiding citizens, not to intimidate them. This stance aligns with the broader efforts of the administration to strengthen community security while respecting human rights.
The viral video of the assault has sparked outrage far beyond Anambra. Nigerians across social media platforms have called for stringent measures against the perpetrators, with many expressing concern about the safety of corps members serving in rural and semi-urban areas.
Observers believe that the government’s response could serve as a litmus test for how effectively states handle cases of misconduct among local security outfits.
While condemning the incident, the Anambra Government reiterated its confidence in the security framework established under the Homeland Security Law, insisting that the isolated actions of a few individuals should not overshadow the positive contributions of Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi to the state’s peace and security.
The statement concluded with a strong pledge:
“The government wishes to appreciate the steps taken by the police and Operation Udo Ga-Achi so far by arresting those involved in the assault and urges the victims to cooperate with the police and the leadership of Operation Udo Ga-Achi to ensure speedy dispensation of justice on the matter.”
As investigations continue, attention will remain fixed on Anambra to see how swiftly and decisively the case is resolved. For many, it represents more than justice for a single corps member, it is a test of the state’s resolve to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
