The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has directed troops deployed for security operations during the Osun State governorship election to remain professional and comply strictly with the rules guiding election duty.
Mahmuda gave the directive on Friday while addressing soldiers preparing to support the Nigeria Police Force at the Engineer Construction Command in Ede, Osun State.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC reminded the troops that their deployment forms part of the Army’s constitutional responsibility to assist civil authorities.
The operation, code-named Operation SAFE CONDUCT, is intended to support the police, which remains the lead agency responsible for election security and the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
Mahmuda said the soldiers would primarily provide security around the outer perimeter of sensitive areas and intervene in emerging threats only when required.
He specifically instructed the troops to stay away from polling units while remaining prepared to respond to security incidents capable of disrupting the election.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expects nothing short of professional conduct by the troops in support of the NPF,” Mahmuda said.
The GOC urged the soldiers to avoid political sentiments, bias or any conduct that could undermine their responsibilities, stressing that their actions must be guided by the national interest.
He also directed the troops to maintain discipline and a strong security presence without intimidating or harassing members of the public.
Mahmuda assured the troops that adequate resources had been made available to support the successful implementation of Operation SAFE CONDUCT.
He also appealed to residents of Osun State to remain confident in the security arrangements for the election, saying the deployment was intended to protect lives and property, maintain public order and create an environment where voters can exercise their constitutional rights freely.
