Troops commence confidence-building patrols in Borno State

Troops from Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI have begun confidence-building patrols in Borno State, North East Nigeria, ahead of the gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

The troops, in collaboration with personnel from the Borno State Police Command and other security agencies, conducted a robust show of force around the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in order to allay citizen fears, build citizen confidence, and demonstrate troop readiness for the elections on Saturday.

Major General Waidi Shaibu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, has directed commanders within the 7 Division/Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai Area of Responsibility to ensure that troops under the command remain professional and apolitical during the upcoming Borno State Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Elections.

General Waidi gave the charge while addressing formation and unit commanders at Headquaters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri on Thursday, 16th March 2023.

The GOC asserted that the charge was in line with the express directives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, to all Commanders nationwide for the smooth conduct of Phase 2 of Operation Safe Conduct.

General Shaibu, who extended the commendation of the COAS to troops of the Division, for their all-round performance in the provision of security during the presidential and National Assembly polls, also warned all under his command to shun all forms of inducement, enticement or cajoling that could compromise the security of the polls, emphasizing the need for a safe and secure atmosphere throughout the duration of the exercise.

General Shaibu further charged the troops to adhere strictly to the prescribed guidelines in the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Operation Safe Conduct, pointing out that any contravention would attract dire consequences.

He urged commanders to intensify efforts at providing necessary and constitutionally backed security support to the leading agency for the elections, while also standing ready to respond promptly and efficiently to any emergency situation, should the need arise.