Anambra State was gripped by outrage after a video went viral on Monday, July 23, 2025, showing operatives of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group brutally assaulting a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The incident, which occurred on July 23, 2025, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, depicted armed vigilante operatives storming a lodge occupied by corps members. The victim, identified as Jennifer Edema Elohor, along with her colleagues, was subjected to severe physical assault, including being beaten and stripped naked, as revealed in the disturbing clip uploaded by The Haven 360 Foundation on their Facebook page.

According to The Haven 360 Foundation, the corps members were accused by the vigilante operatives of being ‘yahoo people,’ a term used for Internet fraudsters, despite promptly presenting their NYSC identification cards and uniforms. The foundation strongly condemned the actions, describing them as a brutal assault and violation of rights. Ms. Edema, in particular, was left exposed and covered in blood, and the victims were subjected to "unsavoury, horrible, sexually degrading words and actions, including threats of sexual violation." The foundation has since demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, along with comprehensive reparation and compensation for the victims' physical harm and psychological trauma. They also affirmed their commitment to ensuring justice, with their team already on the ground working with legal representation.

In response to the widespread condemnation, the Anambra State Government confirmed the arrest of the vigilante operatives involved in the assault. Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Charles Soludo, addressed the incident on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, labeling it as unfortunate and unacceptable. Mr. Emeakayi explained that the incident transpired when the operatives, part of Operation Udo Ga-Achi – a joint task force comprising the police, Nigerian Army, State Security Services, NSCDC, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group – pursued suspected cultists into the NYSC lodge. He clarified that while the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, their conduct during the search was unacceptable. He further stated that the involved operatives were immediately arrested and detained, and disciplinary measures are being taken. Mr. Emeakayi also confirmed that he had met with Ms. Edema and NYSC officials to hear their account of the incident.

The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police, corroborated the incident and the arrests. Mr. Ikenga stated that the suspects had been identified. He noted that the investigation was temporarily stalled due to the victim's unavailability but stressed that assault is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, and the police reserve the right to take necessary legal action to aid court proceedings. The police spokesperson assured NYSC members serving in Anambra State of their commitment to protection and urged them to report any instances of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention. Furthermore, the Command issued a stern warning to vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, affirming that such misconduct would not be condoned.