Sponsors of terrorism and other criminal activities are being tracked, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.

It also said that all arrangements have been concluded to offer the necessary security assistance and ensure the successful conduct of the general elections next year.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who dropped the hint at the opening of COAS third Quarter Conference 2022, in Abuja, said: “As electioneering activities for general elections begin, I wish to once again assure the public that the Nigerian Army remains committed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and assist in providing secured environment for the conduct of the general elections through Operation Safe Conduct.

“You may all recall that in the last conference I mentioned that the Nigerian Army will review its Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for general elections. I am happy to inform you all that the reviewed document is ready and will be distributed at the end of this conference.”

He urged the Commanders to ensure that all personnel deployed for security duties during the election period get personal copies of the code and thoroughly educated on the guidelines provided in the document.

The COAS reiterated that the conference provides an important platform to further appraise performance and bring in fresh ideas to enhance activities in all fronts.

He further noted that the quarterly conference is in line with his resolve to maintain constant interaction with commanders in the field as we all collectively continue to make improvements in their operations and other activities.

Lt.Gen. Yahaya said: “You have all done well in the implementation of the decisions taken during the last conference as evident in the successes recorded, particularly in our ongoing operations across all theatres of operation.

“Our kinetic actions in the Northeast theatre of operations have continued to dismantle the cohesion of the insurgents resulting in massive surrenders of the terrorists. This has positively impacted on the morale of troops and greatly bolstered the confidence of the citizens. Efforts must therefore be geared towards leveraging on the gains so far recorded to stamp out the miscreants permanently.

“The recent successful hosting of Nigerian Army Day Celebration in the Southeast has impacted positively on the security situation in the region even as the troops continue to take decisive actions against the secessionists.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to perform its roles professionally in the region in collaboration with other Services and security agencies as well as state and local government authorities.

“Equally, the troops deployed in the Southsouth region under Operation DELTA SAFE have continued to perform creditably with the rejuvenated joint operations leading to the arrest of several suspects and their sponsors. Concerted effort is ongoing to ensure maximal revenue is derived by the country from its oil ventures in the Southsouth region”.

According to him, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute positively for the maintenance of security in the Southwest region, which generally remains relatively calm.

“Our security arrangements in the region have been reinforced in collaboration with other security agencies, particularly in the wake of the unfortunate incursions by terrorists to the region,” he said.

The Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje said the conference was aimed at providing the platform for them to assess the general activities and the level of implementation of the decisions reached during the second quarter conference.

Gen. Omozoje said the appraisal was in line with the COAS vision and resolve to maintain regular interaction with commanders in the field.

According to him, the conference will also afford newly appointed commanders the opportunity to make contributions and bring in fresh ideas having conducted an assessment of the general situation in their areas of responsibilities.

He said it was evident that major successes had been recorded since the last conference in June, saying the 3rd quarter conference would provide an opportunity for them to further restrategise towards consolidating on the successes recorded so far. (The Nation)

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