The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has accused a state-backed vigilante outfit in Anambra State of allegedly overstepping its mandate and interfering in civil disputes, following the arrest and detention of a 68-year-old resident of Umudiani Village, Achalla, in Awka North Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Friday, 12 June 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the rights organisation raised concern over what it described as growing complaints about the conduct of the Anambra State Vigilante Group, also known as Operation Udo Ga Achi.
According to the group, the elderly resident, identified as John Nneli, along with his brother and three of his sons, was taken into custody during an early morning operation allegedly involving individuals linked to an ongoing land dispute involving the family.
RULAAC stated that the arrest raised questions about due process and the involvement of security operatives in matters that appear to be civil in nature, particularly disputes that should ordinarily be handled through legal or judicial channels.
The organisation said family members initially had difficulty locating the detained individuals, reportedly visiting nearby police stations without success before later discovering they were being held at the vigilante group’s headquarters in Awka.
The statement further referenced previous complaints regarding alleged abuse of power by state-backed security operatives in Anambra State, including accusations of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and involvement in private disputes such as land and family conflicts.
RULAAC also cited earlier public criticism over a reported incident involving the alleged mistreatment of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member during enforcement of state sanitation regulations, which drew widespread attention and concern.
The group warned that repeated allegations of misconduct could undermine public trust in security institutions if not properly addressed, stressing the need for accountability, transparency, and clearer operational boundaries for vigilante structures.
It called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Nneli and his relatives.
RULAAC also urged authorities to clearly define the operational limits of Operation Udo Ga Achi, strengthen complaint mechanisms for citizens, and ensure compliance with human rights standards in all security operations.
The organisation maintained that while security agencies play a vital role in combating crime, their actions must remain within constitutional and legal frameworks to prevent abuse and protect citizens’ rights.
It added that it would continue monitoring developments in the case and broader concerns involving security operations in the state.
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