The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has directed soldiers deployed for the Osun State governorship election to stay away from polling units and maintain the highest level of professionalism.
Mahmuda gave the directive on Friday while addressing troops at the Engineer Construction Command in Ede, Osun State. The soldiers will support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during the off-cycle governorship election. According to a statement by Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC reminded the troops to strictly follow the Code of Conduct for Election Duty.
Army outlines role of troops
Mahmuda said the deployment forms part of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to assist civil authorities during elections. He explained that Operation SAFE CONDUCT is designed to support the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead agency for election security across the country.
The GOC stressed that soldiers must provide only outer-cordon security. He added that they should respond to security threats only when the police request their assistance.
Soldiers must avoid polling units
Mahmuda warned the troops not to interfere with the voting process. Instead, he instructed them to stay away from polling units and carry out only the responsibilities assigned to them. He also urged the soldiers to remain neutral throughout 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.
Furthermore, he cautioned them against bias, political sentiment and any action capable of undermining the credibility of the election.
GOC assures residents of adequate security
Mahmuda also directed the troops to remain disciplined and maintain a strong security presence without intimidating members of the public. According to him, the Army has provided all the resources required for the successful execution of Operation SAFE CONDUCT.
He also appealed to Osun residents to remain peaceful and have confidence in the security arrangements. The GOC assured voters that the deployment aims to maintain law and order while allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights freely during the election.
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