ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) says it has uncovered and helped dismantle the dreaded Ndikeokwu-Uli Vigilante Group, accused them of colluding with military personnel and powerful billionaires to unleash a reign of terror across communities in Anambra and Imo states.
The group alleged that the vigilante outfit was responsible for more than 30 killings since 2022, dozens of abductions, ransom extortion, torture, and the destruction of homes and businesses in Uli, Amorka (Ihiala LGA, Anambra), Egbuoma (Oguta LGA, Imo) and Ohakpu (Oru West LGA, Imo).
This was contained in a detailed petition addressed to Governor Charles Soludo, Anambra’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, and Anambra Police Commissioner Dr. Ikioye Orutugu.
The statement was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, MSc., Criminologist-Researcher and Head of Intersociety; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq., Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law; and Chidinma Udegbunam, Esq., Head of Campaign and Publicity.
According to Intersociety, some operatives of the 34 Army Brigade in Obinze, Imo State, and the 302 Army Cantonment in Onitsha, Anambra, were implicated in aiding the vigilante group.
“They labeled innocent citizens as IPOB, ESN or unknown gunmen as a cover to abduct, torture or kill them,” the petition stated.
The rights group also named 10 victims killed outside the law, including Chijioke Mgbeobu (March 2023), Livinus Mmuo (May 2023), Happiness Okorie (June 2023), and Nwute (February 2025).
It also documented the abduction of citizens such as Kosarachi Ohajuba, whose mother was forced to pay N550,000 and faced further demands of N3 million to secure his release.
Ohajuba was later rescued after spending more than two months across six vigilante and military detention camps.
“He cheated death and survived severe torture,” Intersociety said, adding that his eventual freedom sparked celebrations in his Egbuoma community.
The group further alleged that the vigilantes looted homes and properties, burned down no fewer than ten houses, and carted away goods ranging from phones and fuel to household items.
Intersociety however, praised the state-backed Agunaechemba Security Outfit for recent raids that freed at least five captives from Uli camps but warned that some rescued individuals were later taken away by high-ranking soldiers, allegedly working to shield the group’s billionaire backers.
The statement further identified the vigilante’s leaders as Kingsley Arinzechukwu Iruobi (alias AK-47 De Killer), Oba Ehi (2i/c De Killer), Nnamdi ND De Vampire, and Okechukwu Obi (alias Bitter Cola).
The rights group urged the Anambra government to sustain the crackdown, blacklist and prosecute the culprits, compensate victims’ families, and dismantle similar camps across the state. “Justice and accountability are urgent to prevent revenge, backlash, or lawsuits,” it warned.