…says the Nigerian Army has a constitutional duty to assist civil authorities and protect citizens.
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Army has dismissed circulating claims that one of its officers participated in electoral activities during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, describing the viral video fueling the allegation as misleading and taken out of context.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the Army said the incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5 in Awka South Local Government Area.
According to the statement, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment had received a distress call from NYSC officials reporting that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff and corps members were being held hostage by suspected political thugs after 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 read. “A response team consisting of two officers and twelve soldiers was immediately deployed to the scene.”
Upon arrival, the Army said its personnel met a tense environment with several political figures present, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who reportedly questioned the soldiers’ presence. Despite the charged atmosphere, the Army emphasized that its officers acted professionally and exercised restraint throughout the operation.
“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 viral video as a misrepresentation of the rescue mission, insisting that its involvement was purely humanitarian and security-related, not political. “The Nigerian Army’s involvement was purely to protect lives. Any other interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable,” it stated.
The 82 Division further noted the conduct of certain political actors during the incident and disclosed that it would engage with the Anambra State Government to strengthen coordination and understanding in future joint operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions, the Army urged members of the public to disregard false narratives and continue supporting security agencies in maintaining peace and order during elections.
