The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk YahayaTuesdayadmonished troops of the Nigerian Army toshun politics as the 2023 general elections draw nearer. However, the COAS charged the troops toremaincommitted totheir constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the nation and protect the citizenry.

Addressingthetroops during his operational tour of 2 Brigade Area of Responsibility (AOR), in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the army chiefemphasized the role of troops during elections,saying is that of supporting the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in the security architecture of elections.

He charged the troops to beresolute and focused in the discharge oftheir dutiesin the conduct of ongoing Internal Security Operations across the country.

Yahaya called on the troops to vigorously protect national economic assets by checking the activities of criminals and economic saboteurs, who are hell bent on sabotaging the oil and gas sector of the nation's economy.

Healsoassured themthat their administrative and operational challenges will receive due and prompt attention, adding that the welfare of personnel is paramount in his command.

The Brigade Commander Brig Gen Mohammed Inuwa,who received theCOASon arrival, alsobriefedhimon the security situation in the general area,pointingout that electoral activities would soon commence around the country and warned that troops must avoid being dragged into any form of politicking.

According to theDirector Army Public Relations,Brigadier GeneralOnyema Nwachukwu,“during the operational tour, the COAS inspected ongoing projects in the new barracks under construction at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the State.

“He also visited 6 Battalion Headquarters at Ibagwa in Abak Local Government Area of the state, where he also interacted with officers and soldiers of the Battalion.

“On the COAS' entourage were the Chief of Operations (Army), Maj Gen Olufemi Akinjobi, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, the Provost Marshal(Army), Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba, the Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen Ibrahim Salihu and the Chief of Staff to the COAS, Brig Gen Aminu Umar”.