From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, have sent a warning to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other groups threatening the peace and stability of the country to have a rethink or have themselves to blame.
He said the peaceful conduct of the just concluded 2023 general elections in the country, despite the numerous threats from criminal groups in the South East and other parts of the country, is a testament and resolve of the army to ensure peace and stability of the country.
Gen. Yahaya, made the disclosure while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja.
The COAS, who commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian army for the excellent conducts during the elections, said: “Let me state here that elections or no elections, neither IPOB, ESN nor any other group, groups or individuals should threaten the integrity of this nation as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I must commend you all for your adherence to all guidelines and implementation of decisions taken during last year’s annual conference as evident in our professional conduct and apolitical disposition during the just concluded general elections.
“Your strict adherence to my directives and guidance in this respect is quite commendable.
“The efforts by the army headquarters to go round formations to deliver lectures on “Introspection of Past Experiences and Efforts at Improving NA Support to Op Safe Conduct 2023” were also noted to have yielded desired outcomes.
“I am proud to say that various groups, organisations and distinguished individuals have commended our troops’ efforts during the 2023 general elections.
“Accordingly, elections were, therefore, held in the South East and successfully too, just like other parts of the country.
“Generally, our operations and decisive actions against the criminal elements have impacted positively on the security situation in the region, giving confidence to law-abiding citizens in the South East.”
The COAS said the peaceful conduct of general elections across the country, including in the South East, despite the sense of insecurity created by criminal elements in the region, was a testament to the resolve of the army to ensure security in the entire nation.
“This was made possible through the successful conduct of Operation Safe Conduct 2023 across the nation, which saw the Nigerian Army along with the other services and agencies ensuring successful general elections.
“Our additional efforts through the Joint Task Force Operation Udoka paid off in the South East, thus, ensuring successful elections in the region as well, even though, long before the actual elections, IPOB/ESN and their supporters had threatened that there would be no elections in the zone.