Tempers are flaring nationwide after Agunechemba Security Network dismissed eight of its operatives and handed them over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution following the vicious assault of a serving NYSC corps member in Rivers State. The shocking incident, which occurred on August 17, 2025, was captured on video and went viral, sparking outrage among youths and civil society groups.
According to eyewitnesses, the corps member — identified as Corporal Amaka Chukwu — was attacked near Rumuokoro Junction after demanding to know why the officers attempted to seize her mobile phone while enforcing traffic control. The operatives allegedly dragged her by the hair, kicked her repeatedly and seized her NYSC identity card, accusing her of “disrespect.”
Agunechemba’s Commander-General, Chief Anayo Uba, told journalists that a disciplinary panel sat on Monday morning and found the officers guilty of gross misconduct, unlawful assault and abuse of power. He confirmed that they had been dismissed with immediate effect and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt for criminal prosecution.
“We want to assure Nigerians that Agunechemba is a disciplined organisation. These men acted on their own and have brought disgrace to the uniform,” Chief Uba declared. “No one who brutalises a corps member will be shielded under my watch.”
The Nigeria Police have already opened a case file, insisting the former officers will be charged to court for assault, battery and attempted extortion. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Y.D. Ahmed, applauded the swift action, warning that any attack on corps members is an attack on national service.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), called for full justice, stating that dismissal alone is not enough and demanding accelerated trial. Youth groups have vowed to monitor the case to ensure the officers do not “magically return to duty after social media outrage dies down.”
Nigerians are watching closely as the case opens a new chapter in the fight against brutality from private and quasi-government security outfits — with many saying this time, justice must not only be done, but seen to be done.
