By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that its personnel were involved in election activities during Saturday’s Anambra governorship poll.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Army explained that the soldiers seen in the viral video were responding to a distress call—not participating in the electoral process.
According to the statement, at about 8:20 pm on November 8, corps members and other INEC officials at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka South Local Government Area, were reportedly held hostage by suspected political thugs after the disappearance of the polling unit’s collation officer.
In response, two officers and twelve soldiers from the 302 Artillery Regiment were deployed to the location to rescue the trapped officials.
The Army noted that upon arrival, there was tension at the scene involving political actors, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the soldiers’ presence. Despite the charged environment, the troops maintained restraint and successfully evacuated the corps members and INEC staff to safety, enabling collation to continue peacefully.
The statement emphasized that the Army acted strictly within its constitutional mandate to assist civil authorities and protect citizens. It urged the public to disregard claims suggesting military interference, describing such narratives as misleading.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions during elections.