The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims in a viral video suggesting that one of its officers took part in electoral activities in Anambra State.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the Army said the video misrepresented what actually happened on November 8, 2025, at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5 in Awka South Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the incident began around 8:20 p.m. when an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials and corps members, reporting that INEC staff and corps members were being held hostage by suspected political thugs.
The statement, which was shared on the HQ Nigerian Army Facebook page, said the call followed the sudden disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the area.
“The Nigerian Army has a constitutional duty to assist civil authorities and protect citizens,” the statement said. “A response team of two officers and twelve soldiers was immediately deployed to the scene.”
“When the soldiers arrived, they met a tense atmosphere with several political figures present, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the Army’s presence.
“Despite the tension, the Army said its personnel acted professionally and exercised restraint, the Army said.
“Our troops successfully rescued the corps members and INEC officials and escorted them safely to the INEC office where collation continued peacefully,” the statement added.
The Army described the circulating video as misleading and lacking full context, stressing that its intervention was a humanitarian and security response to save lives and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Nigerian Army’s involvement was purely to protect lives. Any other interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable,” it stated.
The 82 Division also noted the behavior of some political actors during the incident and said it would engage with the Anambra State Government to strengthen cooperation in future operations.
Reaffirming its stance, the Army said it remains committed to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions, urging the public to ignore false narratives and continue supporting security agencies in maintaining peace during elections.
