2027: Army assures INEC of security in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission of adequate security support ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to protect the electoral process from threats while maintaining political neutrality.

The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, gave the assurance on Wednesday when the Acting Electoral Commissioner, Abba Yahaya, visited the division’s headquarters in Kaduna.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the GOC said the Army was committed to supporting civil institutions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Wase added that troops would maintain professionalism and remain apolitical throughout the electoral process, focusing on providing outer-perimeter security.

He said, “The Nigerian Army is committed to providing the necessary security support to INEC to ensure peaceful elections. Our troops will focus on providing outer-perimeter security while maintaining strict political neutrality.”

The GOC further assured the commission that security arrangements had made all local government areas in Kaduna State accessible and safe for the conduct of elections.

He, however, urged INEC to intensify voter education and ensure that its ad hoc staff understood the respective responsibilities of security agencies deployed for election duties.

According to him, proper understanding of the roles of security personnel would enhance coordination and prevent operational misunderstandings during the polls.

Earlier, Yahaya said his visit was part of the commission’s engagement with critical stakeholders in the state as preparations for the elections gathered momentum.

He commended the existing working relationship between INEC and security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, and called for stronger collaboration to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

Yahaya thanked the GOC for the reception and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with security agencies before, during and after the elections.

The Army’s assurance comes amid renewed efforts by stakeholders in Kaduna State to strengthen election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PUNCH reported in October that political parties in the state signed a peace accord, pledging to participate peacefully and conduct issue-based campaigns.

The agreement followed a two-day engagement on election security organised by the CLEEN Foundation, during which stakeholders raised concerns about security coordination and identified some communities as vulnerable to electoral violence.