Security agencies in Nigeria have promised to remain nonpartisan in carrying out their duties in the forthcoming general elections.

This was made known in a communiqué by the Forum for the Spokespersons of the Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA).

The Forum has as representatives, spokespersons from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Others include: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) Federal Fire Service (FFS) Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The forum pledged to support and work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, credible and non-violent election. It also urged Nigerians to always strive toward the promotion of peaceful co-existence and tolerance.

Members of the forum agreed to ensure that press statements and official pronouncements of individual members as well as their organisations remain professional.

They stressed the need for efficient and effective inter-agency collaboration while resolving that blackmail or intimidation will not deter any of the agencies from carrying out its statutory duties.

Reassuring Nigerians of their readiness to ensure safety of lives and property all through the election period, the encouraged security consciousness among the citizens at all times.

It also advised media practitioners against undue sensationalism and unprofessionalism and the need for media executives – editors and publishers – to ensure fairness, balance and objectivity on their platforms.

The forum called on all politicians to avoid making reckless statements and inciting comments. It enjoined religious and community leaders to sensitize their followers on the need to shun acts of violence and thuggery.

The forum pointed out that all security agencies are currently undergoing training, monitoring and mobilizing required logistics to guarantee a peaceful and successful general election.