…..CAPITAL POST gathered that thugs at Anyigba, Dekina, Idah and Ankpa have been identified by the soldiers
Also…. Some LG Chairmen in 4 LGCs in Kogi East, and West who are into thugery and a serving Commissioner from the Central District who is notorious for thugery and arms bearing has been profiled
On Monday, a combined Force of Operation Safe Conduct, a security outfit specially designed to tackle thugs, trouble makers and criminals before, during and after the governorship has been launched in Kogi.
The launch was coming five days to the election with a clear message that they are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the off-cycle gubernatorial election, hence, it’s the choice of thugs to excuse themselves from the State.
To this end, they were engaged in a show of force to ascertain their fitness for the task of facing criminal elements in Kogi.
The operation was officially flagged off at the Headquarters 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Parade Ground Chari Maigumeri Barrack Lokoja on Monday, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Alabi.
According to the GOC, the flag off signposts the readiness and preparations the Nigerian Army has over the years put in place in support of other stakeholders in the electoral process in Nigeria and Kogi State in particular.
It also emphasized the importance of Operation Safe Conduct in preserving the peace and security of the state during the electioneering period as well as ensuring that the people of Kogi State could exercise their rights to vote in a safe and secure environment,” Alabi said.
The GOC urged citizens to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities that would undermine the peaceful conduct of the election in Kogi on Saturday.
He stressed that the launch of Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi would send a clear message that the security forces were fully prepared and committed to ensuring a violence-free and fair electoral process.
“With the combined force in place, residents and voters can look forward to exercising their civic duties in an atmosphere of safety and security.
“As the election day draws closer, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Kogi State with the full support of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja will play a pivotal role in upholding the democratic values of the nation and preserving the peace in the state.
“Citizens are therefore enjoined to come out en masse to exercise their rights and be assured that the Security Agencies will deal ruthlessly with anybody who wants to foment trouble or disrupt the electoral process,” Maj. Gen Alabi said.
The GOC equally warned bandits, ballot box snatchers, and criminal elements who would want to disguise themselves as security agents to desist from such nefarious acts in their own interest, saying measures are in place to swiftly apprehend and deal decisively with them.
