The Nigerian Army has addressed a viral video showing a confrontation between its personnel and Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during Saturday’s governorship election in Awka.
The clip, widely circulated on social media, appeared to show the deputy governor questioning why soldiers were present at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, asking who authorised their deployment and whether they were allowed to participate in the electoral process. A background voice in the video suggested that the soldiers were attempting to seize election materials and abduct presiding officers—claims the Army immediately denied.
In a statement shared via the Army’s X account on Sunday, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the video “misrepresented” the events.
Lt. Col. Ayeni explained that the soldiers were deployed following a distress call from National Youth Service Corps officials and other Independent National Electoral Commission staff at the polling unit.
“Around 8:20 pm, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a call reporting that NYSC members and INEC officials were being held hostage by suspected political thugs,” he said. “The report came after the collation officer assigned to the polling unit suddenly disappeared.”
He added, “In line with our constitutional duty to support civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team of two officers and 12 soldiers was deployed promptly to the scene.”
On arrival, the troops encountered a tense situation involving several political figures, including the deputy governor. “Despite the provocation, our soldiers maintained professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the corps members and INEC officials,” Lt. Col. Ayeni said. The rescued personnel were escorted safely to the INEC office, where collation continued without incident.
The Army emphasised that the deployment was purely a humanitarian and security operation, aimed at safeguarding lives and ensuring the election proceeded peacefully. “Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading and regrettable,” the statement added.
Lt. Col. Ayeni further said the military had noted the conduct of some political actors during the incident and would engage the Anambra State Government to improve future cooperation. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to neutrality and urged the public to disregard “false narratives” surrounding the episode.
