ANAMBRA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has issued a detailed clarification regarding its intervention at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka, during the 8th of November, 2025 governorship election, following a viral video circulating on social media that sparked widespread speculation.
According to Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relation, Headquarters 82 Division, Nigerian Army, several National Youth Service Corps members and Independent National Electoral Commission staff were allegedly held hostage by suspected political thugs at Awka Ward 5 in Awka South Local Government Area. The situation escalated after the collation officer assigned to the polling unit reportedly went missing, prompting panic among electoral workers.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials requesting urgent assistance. A rapid response team, consisting of two officers and 12 soldiers, was immediately dispatched to the scene to secure the safety of the electoral personnel.
Upon arrival, troops encountered a highly charged atmosphere. Eyewitnesses reported intimidation and obstruction by unidentified individuals. Among those present was the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim who allegedly told the electoral officials, “You are not going anywhere,” a statement that has raised concerns about possible false imprisonment and interference with public servants.
The Army said its priority was to extract the NYSC and INEC personnel without confrontation. The operation was executed swiftly, and all affected individuals were safely evacuated and escorted to the collation center to resume their duties.
In response to the viral video, the Army denied any involvement in electoral manipulation. Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, stated that the operation was strictly humanitarian and aligned with the Army’s constitutional duty to support civil authorities and protect lives and property.
Observers have praised the Army’s clarification as one of the most transparent and detailed responses ever issued by a government agency. The captain from Army Headquarters who led the rescue was widely commended for his professionalism and calm demeanor, described by witnesses as “exemplary conduct becoming of an officer and a gentleman.”
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of Anambra state’s history of electoral violence. Past elections, notably in 2003 and 2007, were marred by ballot box snatching, voters’ intimidation, and clashes between rival party supporters. The state has often required heavy security deployments to ensure peaceful voting and protect electoral personnel.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo the winner of the 2025 governorship election. Running under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Soludo secured a second term after winning in 20 of the state’s 21 local government areas. His victory was seen as a reaffirmation of his leadership and development agenda.
INEC has not released a formal statement regarding the rescue, but officials confirmed that all affected personnel were unharmed and continued their duties without further disruption. The successful extraction helped stabilize the situation and allowed the collation process to proceed.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of election security, the Army’s intervention in Awka stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between civil authority and military support. The professionalism displayed during the operation has set a high standard for future engagements.
