The General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shaibu has directed commanders within 7 Division/Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai Area of Responsibility to ensure that troops under command remain professional and apolitical during the forthcoming Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly Elections in Borno State.
The GOC 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, 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. He however 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.
Gen 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, adding 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.
In a related development, as part of measures geared towards providing a conducive environment for the forthcoming elections, troops of 7 Division/Sector 1 Op HADIN KAI have scaled up confidence-building patrols and show of force drills, amongst other discreet activities.
Accordingly, troops of 7 Division/Sector 1 Op HADIN KAI, in concert with personnel of the Borno State Police Command and other sister security agencies, carried out a robust Show of Force around the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, in order to allay fears, build the confidence of the citizenry and to also show the readiness of troops for the elections on Saturday.
