By Odita Sunday
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged officers and soldiers to uphold the Constitution, respect fundamental human rights and maintain political neutrality as they prepare for election security duties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Babalola gave the charge at a sensitisation seminar on lawful conduct, constitutional responsibilities and the military’s role in election security held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Auditorium, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos.
The seminar was organised to strengthen the professional and responsible conduct of personnel before, during and after the 2027 elections.
According to the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Babalola stressed the need for commanders to ensure that troops deployed for election-related internal security operations understand the legal provisions governing searches, arrests, use of force, treatment of civilians and protection of fundamental rights.
The GOC warned that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct, urging personnel to actively participate in the lectures and seek clarification on legal and operational issues that could arise during election duties.
He said the seminar reflected the Division’s commitment to continuous professional development and the responsible discharge of the military’s constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Commander, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Major General Adeyinka Adereti, called on military personnel to remain politically neutral, professionally disciplined and strictly guided by the Constitution.
Adereti also stressed the importance of respecting fundamental human rights and strengthening cooperation among security agencies during election security operations.
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency responsible for election security and maintenance of public order.
The seminar featured lectures on democracy, national security, military responsibilities in a democratic setting, human rights and legal pitfalls associated with election security operations.
Colonel Olusegun Oladuntoye (rtd.) delivered a lecture titled, “Democracy and National Security: The Role of the Nigerian Military in a Democratic Dispensation,” while Mr Murshadi Bello Yahaya spoke on “The Soldier and the Ballot: Legal Pitfalls, Human Rights and Security Duties.”
The programme was attended by personnel from formations and units within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, alongside senior officers and representatives of other security agencies and institutions.
Those present included the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, representative of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Corps Commanders and Commandants of Nigerian Army institutions in Lagos, as well as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2.
Also in attendance were Professor Mahmoud Lawan, Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, the Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa Office, and retired senior officers, including Major General Stephen Olabanji (rtd.), Brigadier General Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd.) and Major M.A. Kebonkwu (rtd.).
The seminar ended with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph.
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