The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has organised a sensitisation seminar for officers and soldiers on lawful conduct, constitutional responsibilities and the military’s role in election security ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa YahayaActing Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army said the seminar, held on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Auditorium, Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, was aimed at enhancing the professional and responsible conduct of personnel before, during and after the elections.
The programme featured lectures titled “Democracy and National Security: The Role of the Nigerian Military in a Democratic Dispensation”, delivered by Colonel Olusegun Oladuntoye (Rtd), and “The Soldier and the Ballot: Legal Pitfalls, Human Rights and Security Duties”, delivered by Mr Murshadi Bello Yahaya.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Commander Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Major General Adeyinka Adereti, stressed the need for political neutrality, professional discipline, strict adherence to the Constitution, respect for fundamental human rights and effective inter-agency coordination. He noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security and maintenance of public order.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Major General Babalola said the seminar underscored the Division’s commitment to continuous professional development and responsible discharge of constitutional duties. He charged commanders to ensure that personnel deployed for election duties understand the legal provisions governing searches, arrests, use of force, treatment of civilians and protection of fundamental rights.
The GOC emphasised that ignorance of the law would not constitute an excuse for misconduct, urging participants to actively engage with the lectures and seek clarification on legal and operational issues that may arise during election-related Internal Security Operations.
The seminar attracted personnel from formations and units within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), as well as senior officers and representatives of other security agencies and institutions.
Among those present were the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command; the representative of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Corps Commanders and Commandants of Nigerian Army institutions in Lagos and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2.
Others included Professor Mahmoud Lawan, Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, the Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa Office, and senior retired officers, including Major General Stephen Olabanji (Rtd), Brigadier General Onoyiveta (Rtd) and Major MA Kebonkwu (Rtd), among other distinguished guests.
The seminar concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and agroup photograph.
