Why troops stormed Anambra governorship election collation centre – Army

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Army has explained why some of its officers were at a collation centre in Awka South Local Government Area during last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

The Army issued the clarification following a viral video of the incident circulating on the social media in which an officer was seen being confronted over his presence at the collation centre by the deputy governor of Anambra State.

There were also insinuations that the military officer may have been involved in attempt to manipulate the results of the election at the collation centre.

However, contrary to such speculations, the Army, in a statement by Olabisi Ayeni, a Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations
Headquarters 82 Division said the officers responded to a distress call by some NYSC members who participated in the election.

The statement indicated that an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received the distress call from NYSC officials and Corp members at about 8.20 pm.

The statement indicated that the distress call indicated that corps members and other INEC staff were being held hostage by suspected political thugs.

The distress call, the Army added followed the unexplained disappearance of the Collation Officer assigned to the polling unit.

It added that in response to the distress call a rapid response team consisting of two officers and twelve soldiers was promptly deployed to the scene.

It added that upon arrival the troops met a highly charged atmosphere, involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the presence of military personnel.

“Despite the provocation and tension at the scene, Nigerian Army troops maintained utmost professionalism and restraint, successfully rescuing the corps members and INEC officials. The rescued personnel were subsequently escorted safely to the INEC office, where collation continued peacefully.

“The video currently circulating on social media is therefore misleading and lacks the full context of events. The Nigerian Army’s intervention was purely a humanitarian and security response aimed at protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the electoral process. Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading and regrettable.

“Headquarters 82 Division further notes the conduct of certain political actors during the episode and will engage with the Anambra State Government to ensure mutual understanding and sustained cooperation in future operations.

“The Nigerian Army reiterates its commitment to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic institutions.

“The public is therefore urged to disregard the false narratives and continue to support the efforts of the military and other security agencies in safeguarding peace and order during elections,” the Army concluded in the statement.