The Nigerian Army has explained the incident seen in a viral video showing a confrontation between its personnel and Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during Saturday’s governorship election in Awka.

The video shows the deputy governor questioning why soldiers were at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5. A background voice also accused the soldiers of trying to seize election materials—an allegation the officer on ground immediately denied.

In a statement released on Sunday night, the Army said the video was “misleading” and did not show what truly happened.

According to the Army, soldiers were deployed after NYSC members and INEC staff sent a distress call, reporting that they were being held hostage by suspected political thugs. This happened shortly after the collation officer at the unit went missing.

A team of two officers and 12 soldiers was then sent to the scene to rescue the officials.

On arrival, they met a tense atmosphere involving political figures, including the deputy governor. Despite this, the Army said its personnel remained calm and professional while rescuing the corps members and INEC officials, who were later escorted safely to the INEC office.

The Army insisted that the deployment was strictly for security and humanitarian purposes and not for election interference. It described contrary claims as “baseless and misleading.”

The statement added that the Army would engage the Anambra State Government to improve cooperation in future and reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and the protection of democratic processes.