The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya on Monday, warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IOPB), Eastern Security Network (ESN) or any other group, groups or individuals not to threaten the integrity of the nation as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Gen. Yahaya noted that “the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections across the country including in the South-East despite the sense of insecurity created by criminal elements in the region, is a testament to our resolve to ensure security in the entire nation.”

IPOB/ESN and their supporters had threatened that there would be no elections in the South-East zone but the elections were largely peaceful.

Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference at the Command Officers’ Mess, Abuja, the COAS said, “Let me state here that elections or no elections, neither IPOB, ESN nor any other group, groups or individuals should threaten the integrity of this nation as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I must commend you all for your adherence to all guidelines and implementation of decisions taken during last Year’s Annual Conference as evident in our professional conduct and apolitical disposition during the just concluded general elections. 

“Your strict adherence to my directives and guidance in this respect is quite commendable.

“The efforts by the Army Headquarters to go round formations to deliver lectures on “Introspection of Past Experiences and Efforts at Improving NA Support to Op-Safe Conduct 2023” are also noted to have yielded desired outcomes.

“I am proud to say that various groups, organizations and distinguished individuals have commended our troops’ efforts during the 2023 General Elections.

“Accordingly, elections were therefore held in the South East and successfully too, just like other parts of the country. Generally, our operations and decisive actions against the criminal elements have impacted positively on the security situation in the region, giving confidence to law-abiding citizens in the South East.

“The peaceful conduct of general elections across the country including in the South East despite the sense of insecurity created by criminal elements in the region is a testament to our resolve to ensure security in the entire Nation.

“This was made possible through the successful conduct of Operation Safe Conduct 2023 across the nation which saw the Nigerian Army along with the other Services and Agencies ensuring successful General Elections.

“Our additional efforts through Joint Task Force Operation Udoka paid off in the South East thus ensuring successful Elections in the region as well, even though, long before the actual elections, IPOB/ESN and their supporters had threatened that there would be no elections in the Zone.

“Accordingly, elections were therefore held in the South East and successfully too, just like other parts of the country.

“Generally, our operations and decisive actions against the criminal elements have impacted positively on the security situation in the region, giving confidence to law abiding citizens in the South East.

“This was made possible through successful conduct of Operation Safe Conduct 2023 across the nation which saw the Nigerian Army along with the other Services and Agencies ensuring successful General Elections”.