Soldiers allegedly open fire on policemen after Anambra election duty

Soldiers allegedly open fire on policemen after Anambra election duty

Tension erupted in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Sunday after soldiers of the Nigerian Army allegedly opened fire on policemen who were returning from election duty, leaving at least one officer critically injured and several others wounded.

According to reports, the confrontation occurred at a military checkpoint along Onitsha Road, when an argument broke out between soldiers and police personnel who had been deployed for security operations during the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election.

A police officer who spoke under condition of anonymity described the encounter as unprovoked, claiming the soldiers opened fire without warning.

“Happening now on our way coming back from Anambra State election, we had a misunderstanding with Army personnel at a military checkpoint,” the officer said.

“Before we knew what was happening, they opened fire on us. One of us was shot directly in the chest, and several others were injured. The issue has generated into a riot, and we have called for backup.”

Chaos as Shots Ring Out in Onitsha

Video clips circulating on social media show scenes of confusion as gunfire reportedly erupted near the checkpoint. Some security operatives and passersby were seen fleeing for safety amid the commotion.

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The cause of the altercation remains unclear, though unconfirmed reports suggest it followed a disagreement over passage at the checkpoint. Security sources say efforts are ongoing to calm the situation.

Soludo Wins Anambra Governorship Election

The incident came barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of Saturday’s governorship poll.

According to official results, Soludo secured 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered 8,208 votes.

The election, which saw the deployment of over 45,000 police officers, was largely peaceful until Sunday’s clash between soldiers and police officers in Onitsha.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Anambra State Police Command had issued an official statement on the incident.

 

Soldiers allegedly open fire on policemen after Anambra election duty