The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade to ensure the smooth conduct of upcoming electoral activities.
According to Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin Captain Staphen Nwankwo The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Brigade Headquarters at Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin, on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Commending Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ezra Barkins for sustaining the partnership between both institutions, Dr. Longpet highlighted the Army’s vital role in safeguarding electoral operations. Drawing from his experience in Kogi State, he noted that the presence of military personnel not only provides security but also boosts public confidence in participating in elections.
He briefed the Brigade on INEC’s forthcoming continuous online voter registration exercise, scheduled to run from August 22, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, across all 16 local government areas of the state. He urged the Army to help create a secure environment for the exercise.
In his response, Brigadier General Barkins pledged the Brigade’s full support for INEC, affirming its readiness to provide security whenever needed. He stressed that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility and assured that the Army has Forward Operating Bases and Patrol Bases in all local government areas.
The visit ended with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, symbolising the renewed commitment to inter-agency cooperation.
