Major-General Waidi Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, has given commanders within the 7 Division/Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai Area of Responsibility instructions to make sure that the troops under their command maintain professionalism, apolitical conduct conduct show of force throughout the upcoming governor’s and state house of assembly elections in Borno State.
The GOC issued the order while addressing formation and unit commanders on March 16, 2023, at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
According to the GOC, the charge was in accordance with the explicit instructions given to all Commanders countrywide by Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, to ensure the smooth execution of Operation Safe Conduct Phase 2.
For their overall success in providing security during the presidential and National Assembly elections, General Shaibu extended the COAS’s praise to the Division’s soldiers. While stressing the need for a safe and secure environment throughout the entire exercise, he nevertheless cautioned everyone under his charge to avoid any forms of inducement, enticement, or cajoling that could jeopardize the security of the polls.
In addition, Gen. Shaibu warned the troops to closely abide by the rules set forth in Operation Safe Conduct’s Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement, adding that any violations would result in serious repercussions.
He encouraged commanders to step up efforts to give the main agency for the elections the necessary and legally supported security support while also keeping themselves ready to act quickly and effectively in any emergency situation should the need arise.
In a related development, the 7 Division/Sector 1 Op HADIN KAI soldiers have increased show of force exercises and confidence-boosting patrols in addition to other covert operations as part of efforts to create a favorable environment for the upcoming elections.
As a result, soldiers from 7 Division/Sector 1 Op HADIN KAI, in coordination with officers from the Borno State Police Command and other sister security agencies, conducted a significant Show of Force in the area of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council in an effort to allay concerns, boost public confidence, and demonstrate the readiness of the military for the elections on Saturday.
