President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the constitution to ensure the successful conduct of the 2023 general election.

Buhari urged the Nigerian Army to continue to improve their human rights obligations during operations in line with global best practices.

He said this while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2022 in Sokoto State on Monday.

According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President also pledged that the modernisation drive of the Nigerian Armed Forces would be vigorously sustained, including the fast-track of the activation of the Nigerian Army Aviation.

On human rights, President Buhari described improved obligations by security agencies on this issue as ‘‘the major pathway for winning the hearts and minds of the people.’’

On the 2023 polls, He noted that it was imperative that the army and the Armed Forces in general support the civil authority by providing a peaceful environment to enable its successful conduct.

He expressed delight that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has already issued a reviewed Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to guide personnel during the general elections.

“The professionalism you exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun and Ekiti States Elections should also be reflected in the 2023 General Elections,” Buhari said.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, ‘Building a Professional Nigerian Army for 21st Century Security Environment’, the President challenged the army to focus on consolidating on the achievements made so far and ensure continuity to improve the country’s security situation.

He also tasked them to evolve enduring strategies that will consolidate their efforts in securing the country.

President Buhari commended the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs as well as heads of various security agencies for their determination and improved synergy in accomplishing his directives.

He expressed confidence that the renewed vigour and standard injected in operations as well as the collective resolve and improved civil-military relations would engender lasting peace and stability in the country.

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Buhari reiterated that the provision of security to Nigerians would continue to receive premium attention by his administration, adding that deliberate actions were ongoing to provide the necessary support to enhance national security.

Citing numerous equipment and facilities provided to boost the capability of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the President pledged that special intervention will be made to fast-track the activation of the Nigerian Army Aviation.

“Additionally, is the acquisition of platforms for the Army Aviation which has been considered in the 2023 Budget.

“This modernisation drive would be vigorously sustained as efforts are also being made to reform our indigenous military industrial complex, through partnership with our allies.

“I am optimistic that this objective will be achieved soon to make us self-reliant in meeting our defence needs,” Buhari stated.

President Buhari urged the military to maintain the tempo in all theatres and double efforts in information gathering to comprehensively defeat all forms of security threats facing the nation.

On his part, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, thanked the President for attending the conference just as he commended the collective contribution of the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the heads of security and intelligence agencies towards improving security in the North-West region of the country.

At the event, President Buhari presented the Nigerian Army Recognition Awards to six Nigerians including the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Founder and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd).

Others were the Founder and Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa Plc and Transcorp Nigeria Plc, Tony Elumelu, and the immediate past Nigeria Ambassador to Benin Republic and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd).

The Star