Table of Contents
- Nigerian Army's Denial
- Details of the Incident
- Army's Response
- Clarification on Misleading Video
- Commitment to Neutrality
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of involvement in electoral activities on November 8, 2025, at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, stated:
“At approximately 2020 hours (8:20 PM), an officer from the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received an urgent call from NYSC officials and Corps members reporting that they, along with other INEC staff, were being held hostage by suspected political thugs.
“This report followed the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the polling unit.”
As per the statement, in accordance with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional duty to assist civil authorities and safeguard citizens, a rapid response team comprising two officers and twelve soldiers was swiftly dispatched to the location.
“Upon arrival, the troops encountered a highly charged atmosphere involving various political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the presence of military personnel,” he mentioned.
He noted that despite the provocation and tension present, the Nigerian Army troops exhibited the highest level of professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the Corps members and INEC officials. The rescued individuals were then safely escorted to the INEC office, where the collation process resumed peacefully.
“The video currently circulating on social media is therefore misleading and lacks the complete context of the events.”
“The Nigerian Army’s intervention was solely a humanitarian and security response aimed at safeguarding lives and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
“Any alternative interpretation is unfounded, misleading, and regrettable,” the statement concluded.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its dedication to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Nigerian Army's involvement in the electoral activities on November 8, 2025?
The Nigerian Army denied any involvement in the electoral activities, stating that their intervention was a humanitarian and security response to protect lives and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
What prompted the Nigerian Army to respond to the situation?
The Nigerian Army responded to a distress call from NYSC officials and Corps members who reported being held hostage by suspected political thugs, following the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer at the polling unit.
How did the Nigerian Army handle the situation upon their arrival?
Upon arrival, the troops maintained professionalism and restraint despite a tense atmosphere, successfully rescuing the Corps members and INEC officials, who were then safely escorted to the INEC office.
What does the Nigerian Army say about the circulating video on social media?
The Nigerian Army stated that the video circulating on social media is misleading and lacks the full context of the events that occurred.
