The Defence Headquarters has assured that the armed forces would support the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring that Nigerians are able to perform their civic obligations in a peaceful and secure environment today.
The Defence spokesman Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu stated at a news conference in Abuja where he explained that this role is enshrined in Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, stipulating that the armed forces could be deployed to assist the police in maintenance of law and order during elections.
He said in carrying out this task, the armed forces were being guided by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement that had been provided for military personnel deployed to maintain security during elections.
He said, it is crucial to re-emphasize the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, that while military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty of voting as provided in the Constitution, they must approach their polling units in civilian clothing.
