The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops deployed for the Osun State off-cycle governorship election to remain professional and strictly adhere to the code of conduct guiding election duties.
Mahmuda gave the directive on Friday, August 7, 2026, while addressing troops at the Engineering Construction Command (ECC), Ede, Osun State, ahead of their deployment in support of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
He described the assignment as critical, noting that it falls within the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to provide aid to civil authorities.
The operation, codenamed “Operation SAFE CONDUCT,” is being conducted in support of the NPF, which remains the lead agency responsible for election security in the country.
The GOC explained that the troops would provide outer-cordon security and respond only when called upon by the police. He directed them to keep away from polling units and respond appropriately to any security threats.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, expects nothing short of professional conduct from you in support of the NPF,” he said.
Mahmuda urged the troops to avoid sentiments and bias, stressing that their actions must be guided solely by national interest. He also charged them to remain disciplined and firm while avoiding any form of harassment throughout the election period.
“You must act and conduct yourselves as well-trained soldiers of the Nigerian Army. All that is required for the seamless conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT has been provided. You must justify the confidence reposed in you,” he added.
The GOC also appealed to residents of Osun State to trust the security arrangements put in place, assuring them that no one would be harassed.
He explained that the measures were designed to maintain law and order and enable residents to freely exercise their constitutional rights during the election.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations.
