By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Army has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its readiness to provide security support for the forthcoming elections, promising to maintain a professional, neutral and apolitical posture throughout the electoral process.
The assurance was given by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, during a meeting with INEC officials at the Division’s Headquarters on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The meeting followed a courtesy visit by the Commission’s Administrative Secretary and Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Abba Yahaya.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the GOC said the military had gained considerable experience supporting critical civilian institutions, particularly during elections.
Major General Wase explained that the Army’s responsibilities would primarily involve providing outer-perimeter security while ensuring that its personnel conduct themselves professionally and remain politically neutral.
He also assured INEC that security arrangements had made all local government areas across the state accessible and safe for the conduct of elections.
The Army chief urged the Commission to strengthen voter education and ensure that its ad-hoc personnel understood the responsibilities and operational roles of the different security agencies deployed for the elections.
He stressed the importance of proper coordination between electoral officials and security personnel to ensure effective election security management.
Earlier, Yahaya explained that the visit was part of INEC’s engagement with key stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He commended the existing relationship between the Commission and security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, while calling for stronger collaboration to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner also thanked the GOC for receiving the delegation and acknowledged the Division’s commitment to supporting INEC during the elections and beyond.
The engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between electoral authorities and security agencies in protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials while safeguarding the neutrality of the electoral process.
