Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka

Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations circulating in a viral video suggesting that its personnel were involved in electoral malpractice during Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, clarifying that soldiers were only deployed for a rescue operation.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the military said the troops intervened solely to rescue NYSC and INEC officials who were being held hostage by suspected political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka Ward 5, in Awka South Local Government Area.

The statement, titled “Clarification on Nigerian Army Intervention at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka During a Rescue Operation,” said the incident occurred on November 8, 2025, after a distress call was received at about 8:20 p.m.

“At about 2020 hours, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials reporting that corps members and other INEC staff were being held by suspected political thugs,” the Army said.

According to the Army, a rapid reaction team comprising two officers and 12 soldiers was immediately dispatched to the location.

READ ALSO:

• NSCIA rejects claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria, calls allegations “baseless”
• Soldiers allegedly open fire on policemen after Anambra election duty
• NDLEA nabs wanted drug lord at Lagos Airport en route Saudi Arabia

On arrival, troops reportedly met a tense atmosphere involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the military’s presence.

Despite the confrontation, the Army said its personnel “exercised utmost professionalism and restraint” throughout the operation.

The soldiers, according to the statement, safely rescued the NYSC members and INEC officials, escorting them to the INEC office to allow the collation process to continue without disruption.

“Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable. Our intervention was strictly humanitarian and aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding the electoral process,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army described the viral footage being circulated online as “misleading and lacking full context,” insisting that the clip failed to show that troops were responding to a distress call, not interfering in election matters.

The Headquarters 82 Division, which oversees military operations in the South-East, expressed concern over the conduct of some political actors at the scene, noting that it would engage the Anambra State Government to strengthen civil-military cooperation in future operations.

Reiterating its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and constitutional duty, the Army urged members of the public to disregard false narratives and continue to support security agencies in maintaining peace during elections.

“Our role remains to protect the integrity of the electoral process, not to influence it. The Nigerian Army will continue to act within its mandate to safeguard democracy,” the statement concluded.

The November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election saw the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secure victory with 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC and Paul Chukwuma of the YPP. The election was largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of tension were reported in parts of Awka and Onitsha.

Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka