The Nigerian Army has commenced preparations to ensure that personnel deployed for the 2027 general elections conduct themselves professionally, lawfully and without political bias.
The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, gave the directive during a sensitisation seminar organised by the division on Wednesday at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration auditorium, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos.
Babalola urged officers and soldiers expected to participate in election security operations to uphold the Constitution, respect fundamental human rights and remain politically neutral throughout their assignments.
He said the training was designed to strengthen the personnel’s understanding of their responsibilities and the legal framework governing military involvement in election security.
The GOC directed commanders to ensure that troops deployed for election-related duties were properly acquainted with the laws governing searches, arrests, use of force, treatment of civilians and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
He warned that lack of knowledge of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct.
Babalola urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations and seek clarification on legal or operational matters that could arise during internal security operations connected to the elections.
Also speaking, the Commander, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Major General Adeyinka Adereti, emphasised the importance of discipline, political neutrality and strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
Adereti stressed that troops must respect fundamental rights while working closely with other security agencies.
He also reminded the personnel that the Nigeria Police Force remained the lead agency for election security and the maintenance of public order.
Colonel Olusegun Oladuntoye (retd.) presented a paper titled, “Democracy and National Security: The Role of the Nigerian Military in a Democratic Dispensation,” while Mr Murshadi Yahaya addressed participants on “The Soldier and the Ballot: Legal Pitfalls, Human Rights and Security Duties.”
According to a statement issued by the 81 Division, the seminar brought together personnel from formations and units within its area of responsibility, alongside senior military officers, representatives of other security agencies and other stakeholders.
Among those who attended were the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command; a representative of the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command; corps commanders and commandants of Army institutions in Lagos; and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2.
Other participants included Professor Mahmoud Lawan, Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, the Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, and retired senior military officers, including Major General Stephen Olabanji, Brigadier General Mustapha Onoyiveta and Major M.A. Kebonkwu.
The Army said the sensitisation was part of its efforts to promote professional conduct and ensure that personnel understand the constitutional and legal boundaries of their roles during election-related security operations.
