By Idris Ibrahim, Abuja
#TrackNigeria: The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday launched the “Elections Monitoring and Security Situation Room” for the forthcoming general elections.
The situation room, situated at the NA Cyber Warfare Command of the Army Headquarters, is aimed at safeguarding and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy during electioneering period.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa on Thursday.
Buratai tasked stakeholders and members of the public to assist in proving credible security information as he issues five emergency numbers.
“As a stakeholder in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, the NA requires real-time security situational awareness regarding the electoral processes nationwide in order to be well positioned to adequately respond, should the need arise.
“The security situation monitoring solution acquired by the NA for this purpose, has been designed to avail a clear security situation during the electioneering period.
“The NA therefore enjoined members of the public to fully utilise this noble opportunity by forwarding timely credible information of security value via SMS, MMS or Whatsapp message to these dedicated public cellphone numbers: 07017222225, 09060005290, 08099900131 and 08077444303”, he said.
Adding that the public could also utilise the NA information call centre short code (193) from any network provider.
The army chief also bragged that digital cameras have been effectively mounted nationwide to monitor identified flash points to forestall any breach of peace.
“Cameras have been stationed strategically in all the states to monitor the elections and would provide unfettered opportunity to civil populace to send reports of security interest in their localities including any case of wrong doing or unprofessional conduct on the part of troops deployed to secure and safeguard the electoral process.
“Let me also use this opportunity to reiterate the total commitment of the NA under my leadership to a free, fair, transparent and credible 2019 elections”, he said.
