Security; Army Assures WAEC, INEC Of Adequate Support In Taraba

The Commander, 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.

This assurance was given during separate courtesy visits by delegations from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo on Friday,15 May 2026.

Leading the WAEC delegation was the Taraba State Branch Controller, Mr. Agunbiade Oladele, who said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between WAEC and the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the ongoing examinations across the state.

Mr. Oladele noted that an enhanced security presence at examination centres would help safeguard students, examination officials, and sensitive materials from any form of disruption or security threat, particularly in vulnerable areas.

In his response, Brigadier General Akaliro assured the delegation that the Brigade would provide the necessary security coverage throughout the examination period. He emphasized that the safety of candidates and the integrity of the examination process remain top priorities for the Nigerian Army.

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

In the same vein, a delegation led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, also paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo, Taraba State, to seek military support and strengthen inter-agency synergy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris stated that the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship and collaboration between INEC and security agencies, which he described as essential to ensuring peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral processes in the state.

He emphasized the crucial role the Nigerian Army plays in ensuring the success of electoral operations and commended the Brigade Commander for his unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across Taraba State.

“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.

He further commended the Nigerian Army for its efforts in preserving the unity of the country, stating that INEC is ready to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in areas such as training, consultations, and capacity building.

In his remarks, the Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, emphasized the importance of collaboration and training between the Nigerian Army and INEC to ensure 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 Brigade’s readiness to provide adequate security arrangements whenever required.

The Commander stressed that when all stakeholders perform their responsibilities without compromise, elections are more likely to be free, fair, and violence-free.

Both visits underscored the growing collaboration between the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and key civil institutions in Taraba State toward ensuring safety, stability, and public confidence during examinations and elections.

Highlights of the visits included the presentation of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and group photographs

Umar Muhammad, Lieutenant , Acting Assistant Director , Army Public Relations
6 Brigade Nigerian Army – 16 May 2026