Nigerian Army Clarifies Involvement at Election Collation Centre
The Nigerian Army has provided an official explanation regarding the presence of some of its officers at a collation centre in Awka South Local Government Area during last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State. The clarification came after a viral video circulated on social media, showing an officer being confronted by the deputy governor of Anambra State over his presence at the collation centre.
There were widespread speculations that the military officer may have been involved in attempts to manipulate the election results. However, the Army denied these allegations, emphasizing that the officers’ actions were purely for security and humanitarian purposes.
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters 82 Division, the Army explained that the officers responded to a distress call from members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were participating in the election. According to the statement, an officer from the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received the call around 8:20 pm.
The distress call reportedly indicated that NYSC corps members and other Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff were being held hostage by suspected political thugs. The situation escalated following the unexplained disappearance of the collation officer assigned to the polling unit.
In response to the emergency, a rapid response team consisting of two officers and twelve soldiers was deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the troops encountered a highly charged atmosphere involving several political stakeholders, including the deputy governor of Anambra State, who questioned the presence of military personnel.
Despite the tension and provocation, the Nigerian Army troops maintained professionalism and restraint. They successfully rescued the NYSC corps members and INEC officials, who were then escorted safely to the INEC office, where the collation process continued without further incidents.
The Army clarified that the video circulating on social media is misleading and lacks the full context of events. It emphasized that the intervention was a humanitarian and security response aimed at protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process. Any alternative interpretations of the event were described as baseless and regrettable.
Headquarters 82 Division also noted the conduct of certain political actors during the incident and stated that it would engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure mutual understanding and sustained cooperation in future operations.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic institutions. It urged the public to disregard false narratives and continue supporting the efforts of the military and other security agencies in safeguarding peace and order during elections.
Key Details from the Statement
- The Nigerian Army received a distress call from NYSC members and INEC staff.
- The call indicated that corps members and INEC officials were being held hostage.
- A rapid response team was deployed to the scene.
- The situation involved political stakeholders, including the deputy governor.
- The Army maintained professionalism and successfully rescued the affected personnel.
- The video circulating online is considered misleading and lacks full context.
- The Army emphasized its role in protecting the electoral process and democratic institutions.