Soldiers from the Nigerian Army have taken over the security of the busy Benin/Auchi highway in Edo to safeguard the conduct of the ongoing general elections, newsmen report.

A Non Governmental Organisation, NGO, involved in the promotion of public safety and access to justice in Nigeria, The CLEEN Foundation, has warned security agencies in the country to refrain from unwarranted use of force during the elections.

The Nigerian Army and the Police said they have commenced investigations into pictures of soldiers and policemen seen doing the “4 + 4” sign, President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign signature.

ABUJA—The Nigerian Army yesterday responded to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari, to shoot on sight anyone involved in ballot box snatching in next Saturday’s election and other polls, saying it will be guided by its (Army) rules of engagement. This came as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu insisted that ballot box snatchers be dealt with according to provisions of the Electoral Act.

PORT HARCOURT – PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday alleged “sinister actions” by the All Progressives Congress, APC, security operatives and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to “violently prevent” the 2019 general elections from holding in certain parts of Rivers state.