We Will Provide Escorts, Support Police In Polls –CNS

Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo has assured that the Nigerian Navy will provide necessary escorts and support to the Nigerian Police, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure successful conduct of the 2023 elections.

Gambo who stated this in a goodwill message at the 1st Quarter Route March 2023 warned that any one found disrupting the process would be dealt with.

Gambo who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Rear Admiral Saidu Garba said the Route March was organised earlier than scheduled as a show of force to prepare personnel to be mentally and physically fit for the general elections.

“Similarly, I wish to remind you all that the political activities in the country for the forthcoming general election have reached a climax hence, I urge you to maintain neutrality and be apolitical.

“On this note, I enjoin you to be more professional in the conduct of your duties and day to day activities. Furthermore, I encourage you not to engage in any acts of misdemeanor or take laws into your hands that could bring the service disrepute in the course of your duty. The Nigerian Navy will continue to support you by providing all the needs to function optimally in the area of your responsibilities. Additionally, I charge you all to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to our democracy and constituted authority” he said

He added that the exercise was aimed at developing personnel physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations as well as fostering esprit de corps and providing an avenue for relaxation.

“The first quarter 2023 Route March is specifically organised as a show of force to assure Nigerians, that the armed forces of Nigeria and indeed the Nigerian Navy is ready to ensure that citizens of Nigeria go out and vote without hindrance, without any molestation and we shall support the police and INEC to make sure that any miscreant that is found to be disrupting the process is dealt with without any recourse to any kind of mercy.