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

The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, has reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to providing adequate security support for critical national activities in Taraba State.

General Akaliro gave the assurance 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.

Leading the WAEC delegation, the Taraba State branch Controller, Mr Agunbiade Oladele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between WAEC and the Nigerian Army to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of ongoing examinations across the state.

Oladele noted that increased security presence at examination centres would help protect students, examination officials, and sensitive materials from possible threats, especially in vulnerable areas.

Responding, Brigadier General Akaliro assured the delegation that the brigade would provide the necessary security coverage throughout the examination period.

He stressed that the safety of candidates and the integrity of the examination process remained top priorities for the Nigerian Army.

The commander further disclosed that troops would be deployed to identified examination centres where necessary, while urging WAEC officials, candidates, and members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities promptly.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Taraba State, Dr Sa’ad Umar Idris, 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 vital to ensuring peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in the state.

He commended the Nigerian Army for its role in maintaining peace and security across Taraba State and emphasised 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 praised the Army’s efforts in preserving national unity, adding that INEC was ready to collaborate with the military in areas such as training, consultations, and capacity building.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Akaliro highlighted 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.

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