Army Prepares Troops For Lawful Conduct Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Nigerian Army has intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections by sensitising troops on the need to conduct themselves lawfully and professionally during election-related operations.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that personnel deployed for electoral duties understand their responsibilities, remain politically neutral and operate within the provisions of the law.

The sensitisation programme was organised by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, as part of efforts to prepare personnel for the security challenges that could arise before, during and after the elections.

The Army stressed that troops must respect the rights of citizens and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Personnel were also reminded that their participation in election security operations must be guided by established rules of engagement, professional standards and constitutional provisions.

The preparations form part of the military’s wider Operation Safe Conduct 2027, which is designed to support security arrangements for the forthcoming elections when the Armed Forces are called upon to assist civil authorities.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, had earlier directed personnel involved in election security duties to remain apolitical and demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, impartiality and respect for human rights.

He said the military’s role during elections must be carried out in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement governing election-related operations.

The military leadership has also emphasised that the Armed Forces are not responsible for conducting elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission remains constitutionally responsible for organising elections, while the Nigeria Police Force is the lead agency for election security.

The Armed Forces provide support to civil authorities when extraordinary security situations require their intervention.

Security officials have identified several potential threats to the 2027 elections, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, organised political violence, cyber-enabled interference, misinformation and disinformation.

The Army’s sensitisation efforts are therefore expected to help personnel understand how to respond to security threats without becoming involved in partisan political activities.

Commanders have been urged to ensure that troops under their supervision understand the legal and operational boundaries of their assignments.

The military has reaffirmed that professionalism, neutrality and respect for constitutional principles will remain central to its involvement in the 2027 electoral process, with personnel expected to protect citizens while maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.