Ahead of Saturday’s legislative re-run elections in Rivers, the Nigerian Army on Friday directed the deployment of troops to flash points.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Maj.- Gen. Kasimu Abdulkarim, gave the order while addressing officers and soldiers at the Divisional Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Abdulkarim said the directive was to forestall any breakdown of law and order before, during and after the elections in Rivers.
He said, “During the election, commanders are to ensure that troops are deployed at flash points, key points and valuable points before, during and after the elections.
“Troops will be in their respective position by 3 a.m. on the Election Day while monitoring of security situation from the joint operations centre will commence two days before election.
“Commanders are to ensure that troops are deployed at the outer perimeter of designated collation centres and polling booths in support of the Nigeria Police without getting directly involved with INEC activities.
“Similarly, commanders are to direct the conduct of patrols; establish checkpoints and roadblocks and provide escort during the election in order to prevent unlawful movements, ballot box snatching and sundry crimes.
“Also, commanders must ensure that troops deny unauthorised persons access to collation centres, INEC offices and NYSC officials during the election.”
He added, “Lastly, commanders are to establish a broadband communication network with repeater stations at strategic towns starting seven days before and two days after the election.”
Abdulkarim urged troops to remain non-partisan during the elections.
“This is because any personnel found to flout the army’s position on the election will be severely sanctioned in line with our operational guideline.
“Officers and soldiers should disassociate themselves with civilians and politicians, especially during the election,’’ he said.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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