The Nigerian military on Friday held a meeting with security and intelligence agencies.
General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Defence Staff, in a statement, said the meeting deliberated on the general election.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other agencies were committed to a violence free elections and will ensure that all Nigerians eligible to vote are able to carry out their civic responsibility and vote for candidates of their choice without any fear of molestation by any person or group.
We are not unaware of plans to illegally use uniforms of military/paramilitary agencies to impersonate security and law enforcement agencies; illegal possession and use of firearms to intimidate and harass members of the public; and other acts likely to cause security breaches.
“Let me warn that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not tolerate any act that is likely to cause security breaches before, during and after the elections, and will deal decisively with these acts irrespective of those involved.
“It is important to reiterate that law enforcement agencies will remain apolitical. Besides, Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the 2019 General Elections have been issued to the Services and security personnel that will be deployed for election security duties.
“All other personnel who are not so deployed for election security duties have been directed to steer clear of the elections apart from exercising their rights to vote for candidates of their choice. I would also like to appeal to all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the restrictions on movement during the period of the elections.
“Violators of the restriction on movement, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and detained. However, this restriction does apply to those on election security duties, local and international observers/monitors and emergency and security services personnel on authorized duties only.
“Finally, I wish to assure all peace-loving members of the public of the preparedness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to support a peaceful 2019 General Elections and to encourage all to go about their legitimate activities without fear of intimidation. I also want to encourage us to promptly report all suspicious activities to the law enforcement agencies. Thank you and God Bless.”
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