Police Say Soldier Involved in Shooting of Officer During Anambra Election Identified

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that the soldier who allegedly shot a police officer during Saturday’s Anambra Governorship election has been identified by military authorities.

The shooting, which occurred shortly after election duties, has stirred public outrage and renewed calls for accountability among Nigeria’s security agencies.

In a statement posted on X, the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) said the military had commenced internal disciplinary proceedings against the soldier, while the injured police officer remains hospitalised and in stable condition.

“UPDATE: The soldier has been identified by the military, and while the Command is allowing the military to finish their internal disciplinary proceedings, the officer who is the victim of the unfortunate incident is currently stable and still receiving treatment,” the CRU stated.

The incident came to public attention after the victim’s brother, posting under the handle @DEGEO7, accused the authorities of attempting to cover up the case.

He claimed his brother was shot by soldiers while returning from election duty, and that police officials initially denied knowledge of the incident.

“My only surviving brother was shot yesterday in Anambra State by soldiers while returning from election duty. The @PoliceNG is trying to sweep it under the carpet and avert justice,” he wrote.

The complainant also said that the Police Public Relations Officer in Nasarawa State told him he only became aware of the incident via social media, while the Anambra Police PRO insisted the matter had been resolved without offering further details.

The post quickly drew widespread condemnation on X, with many Nigerians demanding transparency and justice.

The CRU, however, assured the public that due process was being followed and that both the police and the military are collaborating to ensure the matter is resolved fairly.

As of Monday, the police officer was reported to be recovering from gunshot injuries at a medical facility in Anambra State.

Related posts:

Internal Security Dynamics and the Imperative of a New Policing Thought in Nigeria Crime Rate Drops as Lagos Tops Complaint Chart Elections and the Role of the Nigeria Police Force in the Electoral Process – Solomon Arase Ebuka Wrestles with Emotion as BB Naija Returns with a Bang Iconic Laycon Wins N85M BBNaija 2020 Grand Prize ICAN Leaders Condemn Smear Campaign as Faceless Group Attacks Members