Army Explains Intervention In Anambra Guber Election

The Nigerian Army has clarified its role in an incident that occurred during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, following a viral video alleging the involvement of a soldier in electoral activities.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Army dismissed the claims as false and misleading, stressing that its personnel only intervened in response to a distress call from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the statement, at about 8:20 p.m. on the day of the election, an officer from the 302 Artillery Regiment received reports that corps members and INEC staff were being held hostage by suspected political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, Awka South Local Government Area. The call also followed the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the polling unit.

In line with its constitutional duty to assist civil authorities and safeguard citizens, a rapid response team comprising two officers and twelve soldiers was deployed to the area. Upon arrival, the troops encountered a tense situation involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of the state, who questioned their presence.

Despite the charged atmosphere, the Army said its personnel exercised maximum restraint and professionalism, ensuring the safe rescue of the corps members and INEC officials.

The rescued personnel were subsequently escorted to the INEC office where the collation process continued without disruption.

The Army maintained that the circulating video failed to capture the full context of the events and was therefore misleading. It emphasized that its intervention was purely humanitarian and security-driven, aimed at protecting lives and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

Headquarters 82 Division further noted the conduct of certain political actors at the scene and disclosed that it would engage the Anambra State Government to foster better understanding and cooperation in future operations.

Reaffirming its neutrality and professionalism, the Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard false narratives and continue supporting the efforts of security agencies in ensuring peace and order during elections.