Tonye Apiri
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has urged soldiers deployed for the Osun State off-cycle governorship election to conduct themselves professionally and obey the Code of Conduct for election duties.
This directive was contained in a statement by the acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma. The GOC issued the warning on Friday while addressing troops at the Engineer Construction Command in Ede, Osun State. The troops will be supporting the Nigeria Police Force during the election.
According to Major General Mahmuda, the soldiers have a key duty under the Nigerian Army’s constitutional role of assisting civil authorities.
He stated that the security operation, tagged “Operation SAFE CONDUCT,” is designed to support the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead agency for election security and the management of the electoral process.
The GOC said the troops’ responsibility will be to provide outer security cordons and to respond to security issues only when called upon.
He ordered them to steer clear of polling units, but to respond effectively to any threats that could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of 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.
He also cautioned the personnel against bias, sentiment, and actions that could undermine their assignment, stressing that their conduct must align with Nigeria’s national interest.
Major General Mahmuda further directed them to remain disciplined and maintain a firm security presence without harassing civilians.
He assured them that all necessary resources had been provided for the smooth execution of Operation SAFE CONDUCT.
The GOC appealed to residents of Osun State to trust the security measures put in place, assuring them that the deployment is meant to ensure law and order and enable citizens to exercise their voting rights without fear.