2027 Polls: DHQ Trains Military Personnel on Professional Election Security
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to professionalism, neutrality and strict compliance with constitutional provisions in support of the successful conduct of the 2027 General Elections.
The commitment was reiterated on Thursday during a one-day seminar organised by the Department of Operations, Defence Headquarters, in Abuja. The seminar, themed “The Role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the 2027 General Elections,” brought together senior military officers, representatives of security agencies, election management officials, resource persons and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, described the seminar as timely in view of the country’s evolving security environment and increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stressed that the Armed Forces remain constitutionally mandated to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authorities when required, adding that personnel must discharge these responsibilities with professionalism, discipline, impartiality and respect for human rights.
According to him, troops deployed under Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 must remain apolitical and strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement governing military participation in election-related operations.
The CDS noted that the Armed Forces had consistently demonstrated professionalism during previous elections, including recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo states.
He added that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would be measured not only by the absence of violence but also by strict adherence to constitutional principles, impartiality and respect for the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
General Oluyede urged commanders, staff officers and participants to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar in carrying out their responsibilities during election security operations.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), represented by the Commission’s Director of Legal Matters, commended the Defence Headquarters for organising the seminar, describing it as a demonstration of institutional preparedness and strategic collaboration in support of Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated that credible elections can only take place in a secure environment, stressing that national security and the sovereign will of the people are inseparable.
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed that while the Commission is constitutionally responsible for conducting elections and the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security, the Armed Forces play a vital supporting role in assisting civil authorities during extraordinary security situations.
He highlighted the military’s contributions in protecting critical national infrastructure, safeguarding electoral assets, supporting the movement of sensitive election materials and providing logistical assistance, particularly through the Nigerian Air Force’s airlift capabilities to remote locations.
He also identified insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, organised political violence, cyber threats, misinformation and disinformation as emerging challenges to election security, urging security agencies to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, enhance inter-agency cooperation and adopt proactive security strategies.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by the Defence Headquarters, INEC and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration and ensure a peaceful, secure, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process during the 2027 General Elections.
