Tension erupted in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Sunday as soldiers reportedly opened fire on police officers returning from election duty, leaving several officers injured.
The incident occurred at a military checkpoint along Onitsha Road when a disagreement broke out between the two security units.
According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began when police personnel providing security for the Anambra State governorship election encountered army officers at the checkpoint. “Happening now on our way coming back from Anambra State election, we had a misunderstanding with Army personnel at a military checkpoint. Before we know what was going on, they opened fire on us. One of us was shot directly on his chest with many other policemen injured,” a police officer said.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into a riotous scene as officers called for backup to contain the situation. Details of what triggered the disagreement remain unclear, but sources confirmed that several policemen sustained gunshot injuries during the clash.
About 45,000 police officers were deployed across the state for the November 8, 2025, governorship election, which was won by the incumbent governor, Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Soludo secured 422,664 votes to defeat Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 99,445 votes. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party followed with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress garnered 8,208 votes.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, which has raised concerns over coordination and discipline among Nigeria’s security forces following the successful conduct of the Anambra election.
