The military high command warned unknown gunmen and members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday against attempting to derail the 2023 general elections in the South East.
It also stated that no territory was under the control of terrorists, bandits, or other criminals, though they may be present in some local governments.
Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operation, issued the warning at Defence Headquarters in Abuja while answering questions during a media briefing on the activities of troops assigned to various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
“Election will be held as scheduled in the South East. No gunman or unknown gunmen or what is it called can stop the election. We have continued to carry out various operations and we will continue to carry it out,” he said.
Danmadami added, “No territory is being held on to by the terrorists, bandits or other criminals. Yes, we have several pockets of them in some parts of the country, which is why operations are going daily.
“Of course, they may be disturbing some local government areas, but to say they have a territory they hold on to, no!
“Like I told you, we’ve been carrying out a lot of operations to make sure that their enclaves are destroyed and eliminated. On the election, the Chief of Defence Staff had said repeatedly that the armed forces would remain apolitical.
“The police are the leading agency as far as election matters are concerned, they have the mandate, while other security agencies would support them to achieve this. I can tell you that any unwanted act during elections would be dealt with decisively.”
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