By Kingsley Omonobi
The Nigerian Army has debunked a viral video alleging military involvement in electoral malpractice in Anambra State, clarifying that soldiers were deployed solely to rescue NYSC and INEC officials held hostage by suspected political thugs during Saturday’s governorship election.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, made this known in a statement titled “Clarification on Nigerian Army Intervention at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka During a Rescue Operation.”
According to the Army, the incident occurred on November 8, 2025, at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka Ward 5, Awka South Local Government Area. Troops were deployed after a distress call reported that corps members and INEC staff were being held hostage following the unexplained disappearance of the polling unit’s Collation Officer.
“At about 2020 hours, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials reporting that corps members and other INEC staff were being held by suspected political thugs,” the statement said.
In response, a rapid reaction team made up of two officers and 12 soldiers was immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, troops encountered a tense atmosphere involving political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the military’s presence. Despite the provocation, the Army said its personnel exercised “utmost professionalism and restraint.”
The statement confirmed that the soldiers successfully rescued the NYSC members and INEC officials and escorted them safely to the INEC office, enabling collation to continue without further incident.
The Army described the viral video circulating on social media as “misleading and lacking full context,” stressing that its intervention was strictly humanitarian and aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding the electoral process.
“Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable,” the Army said.
Headquarters 82 Division also expressed concern over the conduct of some political actors and said it would engage the Anambra State Government to strengthen cooperation in future operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and professionalism, the Nigerian Army urged the public to disregard false narratives and continue supporting security agencies in protecting peace and order during elections.
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