The Defence Headquarters has identified some likely zones that might be prone to violence during the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking yesterday during a press conference in Abuja, the acting Director of Information of Defence, Brigadier General John Agim said troops have been sent to the southeast, south west, northeast, Niger Delta, Zamfara amongst other perceived troubled areas to prevent violence in the areas and ensure that people turn out for the elections.
He said that the ongoing Operation Python Dance (Egwu-eke) and other similar exercises in various parts of the country were not targeted at any particular set of people or groups nor was it aimed at manipulating the election hence it was to ensure that all eligible citizens were given the opportunity to vote in a peaceful environment.
Agim said the action became necessary in views of threats from some unpatriotic individuals and dissident groups to stop people in some parts of the country from casting their votes.
He re-affirmed the military’s neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to the professional code of conduct before, during and after the elections.
Agim noted that any military personnel who is not on elections duty was free to exercise his civic responsibility by voting but should not be on his uniform as any military officer on uniform found around any polling unit will be arrested.
