By Augustine Ehikioya
Towards defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, the Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has admonished troops of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute and focused in the discharge of their constitutional mandate and protect the citizenry in the conduct of ongoing Internal Security Operations across the country.
He gave the admonition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while addressing troops during his operational tour of 2 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR) on Tuesday 8 March, 2022.
This was revealed in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, which was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “The COAS, who was on arrival, received and briefed by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Mohammed Inuwa, on the security situation in the general area, pointed out that electoral activities would soon commence around the country and warned that troops must avoid being dragged into any form of politicking.
“The Army Chief emphasized the role of troops during elections, as that of supporting the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in the security architecture of elections.”
General Yahaya, the statement said, also called on the troops to vigorously protect national economic assets by checking the activities of criminals and economic saboteurs, who are hell bent on sabotaging the oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy.
“He assured the troops that their administrative and operational challenges will receive due and prompt attention, adding that the welfare of personnel is paramount in his command.”
During the operational tour, the COAS inspected ongoing projects in the new barracks under construction at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the State.
He also visited 6 Battalion Headquarters at Ibagwa in Abak Local Government Area of the State, where he also interacted with officers and soldiers of the Battalion.
On the COAS’ entourage were the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Olufemi Akinjobi; the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Olufemi Oluyede; the Provost Marshal (Army), Major General Robert Aiyenigba; the Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General Ibrahim Salihu and the Chief of Staff to the COAS, Brigadier General Aminu Umar.