Why We Deployed Troops to Anambra Governorship Election Collation Centre – Army

The Nigerian Army has provided an explanation for the presence of its officers at a collation centre in Awka South Local Government Area during last Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election. The clarification comes after a video circulated on social media showing an officer being confronted by the state’s deputy governor, sparking speculation about possible interference in the election results.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 82 Division, the troops were responding to a distress call from NYSC members and other INEC staff who reported being held hostage by suspected political thugs. The call came at around 8:20 pm after the sudden disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the polling unit.

In response, a rapid response team comprising two officers and twelve soldiers was deployed to the collation centre. Upon arrival, the troops encountered a tense situation involving multiple political stakeholders, including the deputy governor, who questioned their presence. Despite the high-pressure environment, the Army said its personnel maintained professionalism, safely rescuing the corps members and INEC officials and escorting them to the INEC office, allowing collation to continue without further incident.

The Army emphasized that the circulating video is misleading and does not reflect the full context of the events. It described the operation as purely humanitarian and security-oriented, aimed at protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process. The statement also noted that the military will engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure cooperation in future operations and reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and safeguarding democratic institutions.

The public has been urged to disregard false narratives and support the efforts of the military and other security agencies in maintaining peace and order during elections.