Buratai reveals how Nigerian Army will operate during 2019 elections

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Tukur Buratai, has assured that the
Nigerian Army will replicate the successes it recorded in recently
conducted polls in Osun and Ekiti States during the 2019 general
elections.

To achieve this, Buratai disclosed that the Army has launched
Operation Safe Conduct to secure the electoral process in 2019.

He spoke at the 2018 COAS Annual Conference in Maiduguri, the Borno
State capital, yesterday.

According to Buratai, "As the nation moves towards the 2019 General
Elections, the NA is conducting Operation SAFE CONDUCT to support
other security agencies during the period of elections in the country.

"The NA activated the operation on 14 July 2018 during the elections
in Ekiti and Osun states and it was a huge success.

"We intend to replicate the successes achieved, during the 2019
General Elections because we believe that a secure electoral process
will play a critical role in safeguarding our democracy into the
future."

Commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to the Armed
Forces, Buratai assured the President of the "unflinching loyalty and
commitment of the NA to the defence of democratic governance in
Nigeria".

Buratai however urged military personnel to refrain from partisan
politics at all levels, as the general elections draw nearer.

"As the NA plays its role to safeguard democracy, all NA personnel are
enjoined to ensure that necessary steps are taken in all circumstances
to prevent any act that is inimical to the unity and stability of the
country.

"Thus, as political activities unfold towards the 2019 General
Elections, GOCs and field commanders at all levels are enjoined to
continue to remind officers and soldiers under their command to remain
non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct in the
discharge of their duties," he said.