Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya, has warned troops of the Nigerian Army to avoid being dragged into politicking as the 2023 general elections approach.

 “I charge commanders at all levels to ensure that troops under command are adequately enlightened on the need to be apolitical and eschew all political vices,” Mr Yahaya said.

Mr Yahaya spoke at a three-day ‘Second Senior Command and Leadership Seminar’ for commanders of various formations across the country.

He reiterated that no personnel would be allowed to participate in the elections or support any candidate as stipulated by the extant laws guarding the service.

“So, I want to remind all commanders that as the electioneering season approaches, the political landscape is likely to become more tensed across the geopolitical zones.

“Engagement of political thugs; use of hate speeches and other inimical activities by desperate politicians and their supporters will likely instigate a more fragile security situation in the coming days.

“To this end, all army personnel must act within the ambit of the law; the provisions of the extant rule of engagement and code of conduct for the elections in 2023,” he said.

Mr Yahaya said the army would adopt a more superior system of operation to harness the collective potentials of all security stakeholders in the coming days and weeks.

The army chief added the seminar was organised to brainstorm and proffer solutions to challenges confronting ongoing operations in the country.

“Our current operating environment is dynamic and has continued to expose new threats which require deeper insights to successfully overcome them.

“So, the forum offers senior commanders the opportunity to engage one another and introspect on our existing operational model so as to identify gaps.

“Resource persons invited, including academic practitioners, security and intelligence experts, retired officers and social media influencers, will contribute ideas towards addressing national security challenges,” he added.

Mr Yahaya said the army under his command was passionate about ensuring that troops were adequately trained, equipped and motivated to perform their constitutional roles in support of the Federal Government.

(NAN)