The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media, allegedly depicting its personnel engaging in electoral activities during the Anambra governorship election.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, in a statement on Monday, described the claim as false and misleading, and clarified that the incident in question occurred on November 8, 2025, at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, in Awka South Local Government Area.
According to the statement, around 8:20 p.m., an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received a distress call from NYSC officials reporting that corps members and INEC staff were being held hostage by suspected political thugs following the unexplained disappearance of the collation officer assigned to the area.
“In line with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional duty to aid civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team comprising two officers and twelve soldiers was immediately deployed to the scene,”Ayeni explained.
Upon arrival, the troops encountered a tense situation involving several political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the presence of military personnel. Despite the provocation, the soldiers maintained professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the corps members and INEC officials before escorting them safely to the INEC office where collation continued peacefully.
The Army emphasized that the circulating video “lacks context and is being misrepresented,” stressing that its intervention was purely humanitarian and aimed at safeguarding lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
Headquarters 82 Division also noted the conduct of some political actors during the episode and disclosed plans to engage with the Anambra State Government to foster mutual understanding and better coordination in future operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions, the Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard misleading narratives and continue to support security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order during elections.
