Army demonstrate ‘Show of Force’ for peaceful election in Kogi

The Nigeria Army on Monday displayed readiness and commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the coming off-cycle governorship election in Kogi State.

The Combined Force for Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi State was officially flagged off with a Show of Force by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army Major General Bamidele Alabi.

Nigeria Army on display of readiness to ensure peaceful governorship election in Kogi State

The Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha, in a statement on Monday disclosed that the flag Off held on Monday 6 November 2023 at the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Parade Ground, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, to demonstrate the readiness and preparations the Nigerian Army in support of other stakeholders in the electoral process in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular. He added that it also emphasized the importance of Operation Safe Conduct in preserving the peace and security of the state during the electioneering period as well as ensuring that the people of Kogi State can exercise their rights to vote in a safe and secure environment.

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The governorship election will be conducted in Kogi state on Saturday 11 Nov 23.

The Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha, in the statement highlighted:

Nigerian Army
@HQNigerianArmy

NIGERIAN ARMY CONDUCTS SHOW OF FORCE IN SUPPORT OF KOGI STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION

In a remarkable display of readiness and commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial election, the Combined Force for Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi State was officially flagged off with a Show of Force by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army Major General Bamidele Alabi.

Nigerian Army on military display

The flag Off which took place on 6 November 2023 at the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Parade Ground Chari Maigumeri Barracks Lokoja signposts the readiness and preparations the Nigerian Army has over the years put in place in support of other stakeholders in the electoral process in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular. It also emphasized the importance of Operation Safe Conduct in preserving the peace and security of the state during the electioneering period as well as ensuring that the people of Kogi State can exercise their rights to vote in a safe and secure environment.

The GOC urged citizens to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities that would undermine the peaceful conduct of the election, in Kogi state on
Saturday 11 Nov 23. The launch of Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi State sends a clear message that the security forces are fully prepared and committed to ensuring a violence-free and fair electoral process.
With the combined force in place, residents and voters can look forward to exercising their civic duties in an atmosphere of safety and security.

Army on the streets of Lokoja

As the election day draws closer, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Kogi State with the full support of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja will play a pivotal role in upholding the democratic values of the nation and preserving the peace in the state. Citizens are therefore enjoined to come out en masse to exercise their rights and be assured that the Security Agencies will deal ruthlessly with anybody who wants to foment trouble or disrupt the electoral process. Equally, bandits, ballot box snatchers, and criminal elements who would want to disguise themselves as security agents are also warned to desist from such nefarious acts in their own interest as measures are in place to swiftly apprehend and deal decisively with them.

CHARLES EKEOCHA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
2 Division Army Public Relations
6 November, 2023