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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Army has declared its readiness and commitment to provide the necessary security environment for the conduct of a crisis free and successful elections in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, who made the disclosure, said as electioneering activities begin, the army remains committed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and assist in providing a secured environment for the conduct of the general elections, through Operation Safe Conduct.
Gen. Yahaya gave the assurance while declaring open the COAS, third quarter conference held in Abuja.
The COAS hinted that the Nigerian army documents on the review of its Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for general elections, which started a few months ago, are ready and would be distributed to commanders at the end of the conference.
Yahaya, while assuring of the conduct of successful general elections in 2023, said: “The Nigerian Army is also firming up its preparations to provide the necessary security assistance to ensure the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections. As electioneering activities for general elections begin, I wish to once, again, assure the public that the Nigerian Army remains committed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and assist in providing a secured environment for the conduct of the general elections through Operation Safe Conduct.
He said: “You may all recall that, in the last conference, I mentioned that the Nigerian Army will review its rules of engagement and code of conduct for general elections.
“I am happy to inform you all that the reviewed document is ready and will be distributed at the end of this conference. Commanders are, therefore, to ensure that all personnel deployed for security duties during the election period are given personal copies and thoroughly educated on the guidelines provided in the document.”
The COAS, while noting that conference would provide the avenue for the Nigerian army to appraise its performance and bring in fresh ideas to enhance its activities in all fronts, urged participants, particularly the newly appointed commanders, to advance new strategies accordingly.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army across different spheres of operations for their doggedness, dedication and bravery in combating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, crude oil thieves and other criminality in the country.
Speaking on the security situations in the country, the COAS said: “Our kinetic actions in the North East theatre of operations have continued to dismantle the cohesion of the insurgents, resulting in massive surrenders of the terrorists. This has positively impacted on the morale of troops and greatly bolstered the confidence of the citizens. Efforts must, therefore, be geared towards leveraging on the gains so far recorded, to stamp out the miscreants permanently.
