According to him, troops presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, adding that they would keep mischief makers at bay.
The Nigerian Army has deployed some of its personnel to Ondo State ahead of the governorship election.
The election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 16.
The deployment was confirmed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, on Thursday saying the deployed soldiers were to assist officers of the Nigeria Police Force during the election.
Buba said that personnel of the Nigerian Air Force are already engaged to fly sensitive electoral material in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, troops presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, adding that they would keep mischief makers at bay.
“Troops are also deployed in strength to provided assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, slated for 16 Nov 24.
“Indeed, troops' presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay.
“The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of INEC,” the senior military officer told journalists.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Nigeria Police Force had also deployed 12,500 conventional police personnel and 400 tactical unit members for the forthcoming election.
A letter dated November 7, 2024, signed by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Suleiman Yusuf, for the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, directed the mobilisation of police personnel and logistics from various commands from across the country.
The letter was addressed to the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police.
The letter stated that the Inspector-General of Police directed strict adherence to the allocated number of police personnel and assurance of their presence physically.