COAS: Nigerian Army Will Defend the Ballot, Begins Early Security Strategy for 2027

As the nation sets its sights on the 2027 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has moved to allay fears of electoral violence by assuring citizens of the North Central region of a secure environment to exercise their civic rights. During his operational tour of Benue State on Tuesday, the COAS emphasized that proactive measures are already being activated to deter criminal actors and prevent any disruption of the democratic process.

“Let there be no misunderstanding: the Nigerian Army is fully committed to the protection of democracy,” Lt Gen Shaibu stated. “We are not waiting for 2027 to arrive before we act. We are working now, today, to ensure that when the time comes, every citizen can cast their vote without intimidation, without fear, and without the shadow of violence hanging over them.”

The COAS stressed that the ongoing military operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States are intrinsically linked to the stability of the upcoming elections. He explained that by dismantling armed groups and criminal networks now, the Army is effectively denying spoilers the opportunity to exploit the electoral period for chaos. He assured that security architecture is being reviewed to address potential flashpoints, ensuring that troops are strategically positioned to respond to any threat to the polls. “The ballot box is sacred, and we will defend it with everything we have,” he affirmed.