BLOODY CLASH IN ONITSHA: Soldiers Open Fire on Policemen Returning from Anambra Election — Several Officers Wounded, Tensions Erupt

Onitsha, Anambra State — A shocking incident unfolded in Onitsha on Sunday evening as Nigerian Army personnel allegedly opened fire on police officers returning from election duty, leaving several officers critically injured and sparking a tense standoff between the two security forces.

According to eyewitness accounts obtained by SaharaReporters, the confrontation erupted at a military checkpoint along Onitsha Road when a heated argument broke out between the soldiers and a team of police officers attached to the just-concluded Anambra governorship election security operation.

> “We were returning from election duty when an argument started at the checkpoint,” a visibly shaken police officer recounted. “Before we could understand what was happening, the soldiers opened fire. One of our colleagues was hit in the chest, and several others sustained serious injuries.”

Panic quickly spread as gunfire echoed across the area, prompting a chaotic scene and an immediate call for police reinforcement. Witnesses described a “riot-like” atmosphere as security operatives flooded the area to prevent further escalation.

The incident comes barely 24 hours after the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election, which saw incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) declared winner with 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 99,445 votes.

Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) followed with 37,753 and 8,208 votes, respectively.

Over 45,000 police officers were deployed across the state to ensure peaceful conduct of the election — making Sunday’s shooting a grim irony in a security operation meant to safeguard democracy.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement as investigations intensify into what appears to be a disturbing case of inter-agency confrontation turned deadly.

Security experts warn that the clash could deepen mistrust between Nigeria’s military and police forces if not swiftly addressed by national security leadership.