Guber polls: COAS charges soldiers to shun politicians, provide adequate security for crisis free elections

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

Ahead of Gubernatorial and state House of Assembly Elections across the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged formations and units commanders of the Nigerian Army to ensure that troops remain professional and apolitical during the forthcoming elections.

Gen Yahaya, who gave the warning while addressing formation and unit commanders across the country, equally commended the troops for their overall performance in the provision of security during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

He urged them to shun all forms of inducement, enticement or cajoling that could compromise the security of the polls, saying that a secure and safe atmosphere must be provided for the citizenry to exercise their civic responsibility of chosing their leaders.

The army Chief charged the commanders to intensify efforts at providing security support for the elections and be ready to respond promptly to any emergency situation while prioritizing the protection of key national infrastructure, just as he reminded them of the oath of allegiance they swore to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria and maintained that the Nigerian Army must be seen by all to stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy.

A statement by the director army public relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Nigerian Army has updated its list of hotlines for monitoring and reporting of emergencies and acts capable of disrupting the coming elections. It could be recalled that the NA had earlier released a set of contacts during the Presidential election held in Febuary 2023 as part of measures to support the Police in establishing a conducive environment for the successful conduct of free,fair and peaceful elections.

Members of the general public are please enjoined to call the phone numbers below in their various states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to report any security breach during the elections.

1. ABIA STATE – 09029568595
07067880707

2. ADAMAWA – 08022750987

3. AKWA IBOM STATE – 09070077175
08163256562

4. ANAMBRA STATE – 08030881453

5. BAUCHI STATE – 08128063675

6. BAYELSA STATE – 08107855752
08143247308

7. BENUE STATE – 08080754339

8. BORNO STATE – 09099616160
08086987079

9. CROSS RIVER – 08037084192

10. DELTA STATE – 09044400064
08144464947

11. EBONYI STATE – 08158274048

12. EDO STATE – 09066325953