By Augustine Ehikioya
To ensure safety, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has said that the Nigerian Army (NA) will review the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation SAFE CONDUCT.
The Operation is conducted to provide security in support of the lead agency in election security architecture of Nigeria.
The Army Chief spoke on Tuesday 14 June, 2022, while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff 2022 Second Quarter Conference at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Abuja.
In a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), the Army Chief said that the review has become necessary in order to “ensure an enabling and secure environment to promote peaceful electoral processes.”
He noted that the NA will “continue to enhance its Civil-Military Relations efforts and provide the necessary support in aid of the civil authority in line with its constitutional mandate. He charged personnel to remain apolitical while carrying out their constitutional role.”
The COAS also restated NA’s determination to sustain the tempo of operations against all forms of criminality, in collaboration with other sister services and security agencies.
He commended the level of cooperation and professionalism amongst security agencies, which he pointed out has “translated into operational successes across various theatres of operations nationwide.”
Restating his resolve to continue to devote premium attention to training of personnel, the COAS said that it remains the best form of welfare for troops and a fundamental requirement for successful operations.
The conference, he pointed out, provides a platform to review all NA operations and develop strategies to consolidate on the achievements so far recorded.