6 Brigade reaffirms security support for WAEC and INEC activities in Taraba

The commander of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, confirmed the brigade’s commitment to provide adequate security for key national activities in Taraba State.

General Akaliro made the statement on Friday during separate courtesy visits by delegations from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the brigade headquarters in Jalingo.

The WAEC delegation was led by Mr Agunbiade Oladele, the controller of the Taraba State branch. He explained that the visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between WAEC and the Nigerian Army to ensure that ongoing examinations across the state are conducted smoothly and securely.

Oladele added that a heightened security presence at examination centres would protect students, exam officials, and sensitive materials from potential threats, particularly in vulnerable areas.

In response, Brigadier General Akaliro assured the delegation that the brigade would supply the necessary security coverage throughout the examination period and emphasized that safeguarding candidates and preserving the integrity of the process remain top priorities for the Nigerian Army.

The commander also announced that troops would be deployed to identified examination centres where needed, and urged WAEC officials, candidates and the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities promptly.

Similarly, Dr Sa‘ad Umar Idris, the resident electoral commissioner of INEC in Taraba State, led another delegation to the brigade headquarters to seek military support and strengthen inter‑agency collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr Idris said the visit was intended to foster stronger cooperation between INEC and security agencies, which he described as essential for ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent elections in the state.

He praised the Nigerian Army for its role in maintaining peace and security across Taraba and highlighted the importance of military support during electoral operations.

“We need your support and cooperation to succeed, as you play a very critical role in ensuring the safety of citizens and electoral materials during elections,” he said.

Dr Idris also commended the army’s efforts in preserving national unity and noted that INEC was ready to collaborate with the military on training, consultations and capacity building.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Akaliro stressed the importance of collaboration and training between the Nigerian Army and INEC to guarantee the safety of citizens during elections.

He reiterated the brigade’s constitutional mandate to support civil authorities in maintaining peace and security, and assured INEC of the army’s readiness to provide adequate security arrangements whenever required.

The commander added that when all stakeholders perform their responsibilities without compromise, elections are more likely to be free, fair and violence‑free.