The Nigerian Army has released an official clarification on the viral video showing a confrontation between its personnel and the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during Saturday’s governorship election in Awka.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows the deputy governor questioning the soldiers’ presence at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, demanding to know who authorised their deployment and why they were involved in the electoral process.
A voice in the background had alleged that the soldiers attempted to seize election materials and abduct presiding officers, claims the soldier on the ground immediately denied.
In a statement posted on the Army’s official 𝕏 page on Sunday night, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the video “misrepresented” the reality of the incident.
According to him, troops were deployed only after receiving an urgent report from NYSC members and other INEC staff that they were being held hostage by suspected political thugs.
“At about 2020 hours, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials and corps members reporting that corps members and other INEC staff were being held hostage,” the statement said.
Ayeni added that the situation followed the sudden disappearance of the collation officer assigned to the unit.
“In line with the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to aid civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team consisting of two officers and 12 soldiers was promptly deployed,” he noted.
Deputy Governor Challenged Troops At Scene
Upon arrival, the soldiers met a tense environment involving political actors, including the deputy governor, who confronted them over their presence.
Despite the heated atmosphere, the Army said its personnel maintained “professionalism and restraint,” focusing solely on rescuing the election workers.
Ayeni said the intervention successfully freed the corps members and INEC staff, who were then escorted to the INEC office, where collation continued without further incident.
The Army insisted that its deployment was strictly a security response.
“The viral video lacked context. Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading and regrettable,” the statement read.
The Army added that it had taken note of the conduct of some political actors during the episode and would engage the Anambra State Government to improve coordination in future operations.
It reiterated its commitment to neutrality, protection of democratic institutions, and safeguarding the lives of all election personnel.
Watch the viral video below:
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