The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the division’s support as preparations gather pace for the upcoming national elections.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, on Wednesday and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
General Wase gave the assurance on Wednesday when INEC’s Administrative Secretary, who is acting as the State Electoral Commissioner, Abba Yahaya, paid him a courtesy visit at the division’s headquarters.
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The GOC pointed out that years of experience had helped the Nigerian Army master its role in supporting key civil institutions. He stressed that troops would focus on providing outer-perimeter security while maintaining a professional and apolitical stance during the electoral process.
General Wase reassured the commission that security measures had ensured that all local government areas across the state were accessible and safe for the conduct of polls. He also urged INEC to intensify public voter education and ensure that ad hoc staff clearly understood the specific roles of each security agency on the ground.
Earlier, Abba Yahaya said his visit was part of his engagement with key stakeholders in the state. He praised the good working relationship INEC enjoys with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, while calling for even better collaboration.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner concluded by thanking the GOC for the warm reception and the division’s commitment to supporting INEC during the election period and beyond.
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