The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Farouk Yahaya, has directed the review of the code of conduct for troops and other personnel that would be involved in the 2023 elections.
This, according to him, is to guide the conduct of his personnel as well as support civil authorities to conduct free and fair elections.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Second Quarter conference on Tuesday, Yahaya also said he had directed the commencement of Operation Safe Conduct to enhance civil-military relation efforts during the elections.
He said, “We are mindful that elections are coming, that is why I directed the review of the rules of engagement and code of conducts for troops and personnel during the election. “It is usual for the military to review its rules of engagement and conduct of operations in tune with developing situations and that is what we are doing in other to ensure through our support to civil authorities, there is free and fair election.
We are already in Ekiti, the review would guide them in their operations and activities in support of civil authorities for the election. We, in the Army and the military remain apolitical, our role is to mainly provide support to civil authorities and other responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution.I have also directed the commencement of operation safe conduct. The review and the approved guidelines would be conveyed to you.
The Nigerian Army will continue to enhance its civil-military relations efforts and provide the necessary support in aid of the civil authority.”
He also warned all personnel to steer clear of politics during this period, while providing enabling and secured environment for electoral processes to thrive.
Yahaya, however, stated that the Nigerian Army remained resolute and committed to squarely confronting the myriad of security challenges bedevilling the nation.