Tension in Onitsha as Soldiers Reportedly Open Fire on Policemen Returning From Anambra Election

Nigerian soldiers in Onitsha reportedly opened fire on a group of police officers returning from election duty in Anambra State on Sunday, leaving several officers injured. The incident occurred at a military checkpoint along Onitsha Road, following what sources described as a heated argument between the two security agencies.

According to eyewitness accounts, the disagreement quickly escalated before soldiers allegedly began shooting at the policemen. One officer was said to have been hit in the chest, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The situation reportedly triggered unrest in the area as police units called for reinforcements to contain the tension.

The confrontation happened shortly after the conclusion of the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, in which the incumbent, Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared the winner. Soludo secured 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 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) received 8,208 votes.

About 45,000 police personnel had been deployed across Anambra State for the election. As of press time, authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the clash or the number of casualties.