Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain strict neutrality, professionalism and respect for human rights as they prepare for security operations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oluyede gave the charge on Thursday at the opening of a one-day seminar organised by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on the role of the Armed Forces during elections.

The seminar, titled “The Role of the AFN in Conducting Free, Fair and Credible Elections: Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections in Perspective,” brought together field commanders, staff officers, personnel of the armed forces, the police, other security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, the CDS said the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 would not only be judged by the absence of violence during the elections but also by strict compliance with human rights standards.

He noted that previous elections had tested the military’s operational readiness, inter-agency coordination and civil-military relations through the activities of unscrupulous elements, but commended the armed forces for consistently safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is saddled with a distinct and clear mandate to suppress insurrection and provide aid to civil authority when called upon.

“To this end, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continuously acted within the confines of this provision, projecting its professionalism and operational readiness in the conduct of its engagements,” he said.

Oluyede stressed that as political activities intensify ahead of the elections, military personnel must remain apolitical and operate within the law.

“As we approach the electioneering period, with a steady increase in political activities, it is imperative that the Armed Forces of Nigeria personnel are constantly reminded of their roles to ensure the maintenance of strict neutrality, professionalism and adherence to International Human Rights provisions,” he said.

He added that the seminar was designed to equip commanders and senior officers with the knowledge required to discharge their constitutional responsibilities while ensuring peaceful elections.

“I am certain that this seminar will distinctly align Field Commanders and Staff Officers to their roles, as well as reiterate the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027,” he added.

The CDS also commended officers and soldiers for their conduct during recent off-cycle and by-elections in Ekiti, Kano, Kebbi, Rivers, Nasarawa, Enugu and Ondo, describing their performance as professional and instrumental to peaceful polls.

“The professional conduct of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria contributed to the seamless and incident-free elections witnessed within these states.

“I expect that the lessons from these previous elections will be brought to the fore in order to refine and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, ensure rapid response and protection of law-abiding citizens while remaining apolitical,” he said.

Oluyede reiterated that respect for human rights must remain central to military operations during elections.

“I must also mention unequivocally that the success of Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2027 will not only be measured by the absence of violence or disruption of the electoral process, but also by adherence to basic principles and respect for human rights,” he said.

He urged commanders and participants to use the seminar to prepare for operating in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Al-Hassan Umar (SAN), reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

He described the role of the armed forces during elections as exceptional and limited to providing support to civil authorities where security conditions require military intervention.

“The role of the Armed Forces is exceptional rather than routine. Their deployment arises only where prevailing security conditions require military support in aid of the civil authorities and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

“Accordingly, the Armed Forces perform a supportive rather than supervisory role, protective rather than political, and one firmly anchored in constitutional responsibility,” he said.

Umar said INEC remained committed to conducting transparent, inclusive, technology-driven and credible elections in compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

He added that the commission would continue to prioritise the participation of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.

“We look forward to the continued support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in ensuring that election-day security is discharged with professionalism, restraint and respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every citizen.

“Security personnel must inspire confidence, protect the voter, safeguard election officials and preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

“Our shared objective is not merely the conduct of peaceful elections, but elections in which every Nigerian can freely exercise the constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or unlawful interference,” he said.