From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has said that the Nigerian Army authorities are reviewing their contingency plans for the successful conduct of the next year general elections.
Yahaya disclosed this in Maiduguri, Borno State at weekend during his visit to military troops in the frontline of the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation, Operation Hadin Kai Northeast.
“Elections are here. We have experienced various elections since 1979. We should leverage on our experiences from the past. We are reviewing our contingency plans for the 2023 election and we shall collaborate with the police and other security agencies to provide conducive environment for peaceful conduct of the election,” he disclosed
He said the army is also collaborating with the Air Force, Navy, Police and other security agencies in the country to address some security issues in some parts of the country to ensure Nigerians exercise their voting rights in peaceful environment.
The army chief also disclosed his visit to Borno was to appreciate troops in the theatre.
He said that he addressed troops of Sector 3 in Baga at the shores of Lake Chad on Friday and commended them for what they are doing.
“The troops are doing well, but we also come to charge them not to relent, to be alert and vigilant and operate in accordance with our code of conduct,” he explained.
He urged the people to avail the army and other security agencies with credible information for the force to act before any terror or criminal activity is committed.
He lauded journalists in the theatre area for ensuring that their reportages do not escalate violence, urging them to remain patriotic for the peace of the land.