Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division
The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video claiming that its officers were involved in election activities during the November 8 polls in Awka, Anambra State.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, described the report as “false, misleading and lacking context.”
Ayeni explained that at around 8:20 p.m., NYSC and INEC officials reported that suspected political thugs were holding corps members and election staff after a polling unit collation officer went missing. A rapid response team of two officers and twelve soldiers was dispatched to secure the situation.
Upon arrival, troops encountered tense interactions with political stakeholders, including the state Deputy Governor. Despite provocation, the soldiers maintained their professionalism, rescued the officials, and safely escorted them to the INEC office, allowing collation to resume peacefully.
The Army emphasised that its intervention was purely humanitarian and security-oriented, reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and the protection of democratic institutions. Ayeni urged the public to disregard false narratives and support the military’s efforts to maintain peace during the elections.
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