The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa has assured residents of Lagos and Ogun States that troops of the Division will act professionally and ensure the safety of voters throughout the 2023 general elections. This was contained a Press Statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
According to Ayeni, the GOC gave the assurance while addressing troops before deployment for this all-important national assignment. Going further, Ayeni said, "81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) will be deploying troops in Lagos and Ogun states metropolis ahead of the 2023 Presidential Elections slated for tomorrow, Saturday 25 February 2023".
According to the statement, "the deployment was in support of the leading agency, the Nigerian Police in Lagos and Ogun states in the provision of security for Nigerians during the forthcoming elections"
"Hence, residents in these states will experience deployment of large number of troops. The general public should therefore not be perturbed by this presence, but should be free to carry out their civic responsibility without fear as the troops are deployed to ensure their safety, the safety of INEC staff, ensure security of ballot materials and to serve as deterrence to unscrupulous elements who could have any negative intention of breaking law and order during the polls."
This, the statement continued, was "in compliance with the Chief Of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya's directives" Troops were therefore admonished to be very professional, be cautious, respect Fundamental Human Rights and remain apolitical."
According to the Division Spokesman, the GOC further encouraged troops to always remember the contents of the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Nigerian Army Personnel during the elections. He strictly warned that any personnel who might want to act otherwise and engage in activities that could embarrass or bring the name of the NA to disrepute will be strictly sanctioned according to the provision of the Armed Forces Act.
General Ajunwa also gave a very strong warning to compromised politicians and political hoodlums to desist from any forms of election malpractices and violence as the Division will not condone any form of irresponsibility and lawlessness that will compromise the peace, Lagos and Ogun States enjoy.
The GOC however encouraged law abiding citizens to feel free to carry out their civic responsibility while assuring them of their safety during and after the elections.
It could be recalled that, to deter criminals from having freedom of actions to organize their undemocratic plans, troops of the division in collaboration with other security agencies
have conducted Shows of Force on the mainland and Island in Lagos state as well as in Ogun state. Troops have also conducted raids to criminal hideouts in these states where criminals of different shades have been arrested.
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