The Headquarters 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has issued a statement addressing misleading claims circulated in a viral video that suggested its personnel were involved in election activities during the gubernatorial polls in Anambra on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the troops featured in the video were responding to a distress call from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This call reported that corps members and INEC officials were allegedly being held hostage by suspected political thugs.
The Army confirmed that around 8:20 PM, an officer from the 302 Artillery Regiment received the distress call. Following the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer at the polling unit, a rapid response team, consisting of two officers and twelve soldiers, was deployed to the location in Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka South Local Government Area. Upon arrival, military personnel encountered a tense situation involving various political figures, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned their presence.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the Army reported that its troops acted with professionalism, managing to rescue the corps members and INEC staff. The rescued individuals were escorted safely to the INEC office where ballot collation continued without further incident. The 82 Division emphasized that their intervention was aimed at ensuring public safety and the integrity of the electoral process, urging the public to disregard the misleading video.
- Why it matters: This clarification is significant for maintaining public trust in the electoral process and the role of military personnel in civil operations.
- The Army’s response underscores its commitment to neutrality and professionalism during elections, which is critical for democratic integrity.
- The latest: The Nigerian Army plans to engage with the Anambra State Government to improve understanding and cooperation in future operations related to electoral security.
Source: https://www.tvcnews.tv/army-reacts-to-viral-video-of-alleged-involvement-in-anambra-election/
Source: https://www.tvcnews.tv/army-reacts-to-viral-video-of-alleged-involvement-in-anambra-election/