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Chukwujekwu Ilozue
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed worry over the misuse of State-backed security structures in Anambra State for purposes unrelated to the reasons they were established.
In a statement signed by its executive director Okechukwu Nwanguma, the group recalled an incident that happened recently concerning the arrest and detention of Chief John Nneli, a 68-year-old resident of Umudiani Village, Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area, by operatives believed to be attached to the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG), popularly known as Operation Udo ga Achi,
The group said it learnt that Chief Nneli, his younger brother, and three of his sons were taken away during an early morning operation reportedly conducted in the company of persons involved in a longstanding land dispute with the family.
It said there was previous complaints and controversies involving the conduct of state-backed security personnel in Anambra State.
Nwanguma wrote further: “RULAAC recalls with concern the widely reported incident involving the assault and humiliation of a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by security operatives enforcing the state’s sanitation policy.
“The disturbing images and videos that emerged from that incident sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about the use of excessive force, abuse of authority, and disregard for the dignity and rights of citizens.
“The incident highlighted a broader problem: the increasing tendency of some security operatives to act outside the limits of their lawful mandate and with insufficient regard for constitutional safeguards and human rights standards”.
He said the group had several other complaints from citizens across the state alleging arbitrary arrests, intimidation, prolonged detention, extortion, and the use of security personnel in private disputes, including land matters, family conflicts, and business disagreements.
For these reasons RULAAC urged the government to order an immediate and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Chief John Nneli, his brother, and his sons;
Clarify the mandate and operational limits of Operation Udo ga Achi and other state-backed security outfits, particularly regarding involvement in civil disputes such as land matters;
Establish effective oversight and complaints mechanisms through which citizens can safely report misconduct by security personnel;
Ensure prompt investigation and accountability for any security operative found to have acted unlawfully or outside the scope of his or her authority, among others#
