The operation was flagged off at the headquarters of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Parade Ground Chari Maigumeri Barrack, Lokoja yesterday by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Alabi.

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The GOC said the ceremony signposted the readiness and preparations the Nigerian Army has over the years put in place in support of other stakeholders in the electoral process in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular.

He said, “It also emphasized the importance of Operation Safe Conduct in preserving the peace and security of the state during the electioneering period as well as ensuring that the people of Kogi State could exercise their rights to vote in a safe and secure environment.”

The GOC urged citizens to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities that would undermine the peaceful conduct of the election in Kogi on Saturday.

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He stressed that the launch of Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi would send a clear message that the security forces were fully prepared and committed to ensuring a violence-free and fair electoral process.

“With the combined force in place, residents and voters can look forward to exercising their civic duties in an atmosphere of safety and security.

“As the election day draws closer, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Kogi State with the full support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja will play a pivotal role in upholding the democratic values of the nation and preserving the peace in the state.

“Citizens are therefore enjoined to come out en masse to exercise their rights and be assured that the security agencies will deal ruthlessly with anybody who wants to foment trouble or disrupt the electoral process,” Alabi said.

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