Operation Safe Conduct Phase 2: "Troops Will Continue to Abide by Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement", GOC Assures

Sequel to the activation of operational monitoring mechanisms by the Army Headquarters (AHQ)  to monitor and ensure the professionalism of all Nigerian Army (NA) troops deployed for the second phase of  Operation Safe Conduct,  a team from AHQ led by the Director of Veteran Affairs Army Headquarters Department of Army Administration, Major General LA Lebo, on Saturday, 18 March, 2023 paid a courtesy visit to Headquarters 7 Division as part of activities lined up to monitor the general conduct of troops participating in the ongoing Operation.

 

In his remarks, Major General Lebo who expressed optimism in the capability of 7 Division to secure the state during the process, stated that,  following the conclusion of the Presidential elections in February, AHQ deemed it fit to intensify efforts in monitoring the performance of troops deployed for the second phase of Operation Safe Conduct throughout the gubernatorial elections nationwide, in line with the express directives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General F Yahaya. 

He asserted that this was critical, most especially in areas of troops involvement in providing security and support to the lead agencies and to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He thereafter urged deployed troops to remain apolitical and professional in their conduct throughout the voting exercise. 

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Waidi Shaibu affirmed that elections are a cardinal principle of the democratic process and Operation Safe Conduct as envisioned, will ensure the sanity of the election process. This will see troops providing the much needed security for all stakeholders to perform their respective duties as expected,  while equally maintaining high level of professionalism and discipline throughout the Exercise.

The GOC informed the team of the Division's effort so far as seen in the provision of escorts for INEC staff to various locations within Borno State,  and troops being placed on standby to support the lead agency in effectively thwarting any acts inimical to the safe conduct of the electoral process.

He thereafter assured the Team on the Division's resolve to maintain a high sense of professionalism throughout the duration of the election, emphasizing that all 7 Division troops had been thoroughly briefed and acquainted with the prevailing Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement guiding their conduct during the ongoing 2023 elections.

 The Monitoring Team thereafter received a brief on the conduct of  operation Safe Conduct at the Division's Operations Room This was followed by a visit to the Joint Operation Centre at the Police Headquarters, and an  interaction with troops on standby duties.

Present during the visit were members of the visiting AHQ monitoring team, the Commander 7 Division Ordnance Services, Brig Gen RL Pam, Commander, 47 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General KO Ukandu, Commander 37 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General NUC Ogili and Commander 77 Supply and Transport Brigade, Brigadier General JB Adams, amongst other formations and unit commanders, as well as Principal Staff Officers from Headquarters 7 Division.