2023 Polls: Army GOC Warns Troops To Be Apolitical

Ahead of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, troops of the Nigerian Army have been warned to be apolitical.

The outgoing General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Major General Uwem Bassey, gave the warning at the handover ceremony, which took place at 26 Battalion Giginya Barrack parade ground in Sokoto State.

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Bassey, who is the former commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji in the North-West listed his achievements to include the containment of terrorists in the region.

Noting that the command under him took over the bandits’ enclave in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states, Bassey said troops were able to recover many weapons from terrorists during some major operations.

“I urge you to read the rules of engagement and code of conduct for election given to you by Chief of Army Staff,” Bassey stated.

“Don’t allow your actions and conduct to affect the credibility and integrity of the elections, allow politicians to do their work. Ours is to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.”

While charging the soldiers and officers of the command to be law-abiding and loyal to Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Constitution, the GOC said they should observe the code of conduct and rules of engagement given to them by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.

Bassey also asked troops to support the new GOC, Major General Godwin Batkut, to ensure he succeeds in the fight against terrorists and other criminal elements in all the areas of responsibility of the division.