Yahaya gave the directive while flagging off Operation Safe Conduct in all army divisions and formations across the country.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He charged the commanders to identify and dominate flash points in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
He added that troops must be alert, and proactive and operate jointly with sister services and other security agencies during the elections.
Yahaya also directed the commanders to deploy requisite logistics to ensure the security and safety of citizens during the elections.
He urged them to be professional, and apolitical and adhere strictly to the extant code of conduct and Rules of Engagement guiding personnel throughout their operations.
He warned that any infraction on the provisions of the Code of conduct would not be treated with levity.
The COAS maintained that all deployments must be joint and in support of the police, adding that all eyes were on the security agencies and that the citizens expected nothing short of free and fair elections.
“You must, therefore, refrain from hobnobbing with political gladiators and maintain your apolitical stance,” he said.