The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, as security agencies intensify preparations for a peaceful poll.
The deployment was ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, with personnel expected to protect voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents throughout the electoral process.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, saying the deployment had commenced across the state.
Personnel from the NSCDC commands in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory will reinforce the Osun State Command. About 1,000 personnel from each of the listed commands are expected to contribute to the security operation.
Special Units Deployed
Audi also ordered the deployment of several specialised formations to strengthen the Corps’ response to potential security threats during the election.
They include the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
According to the NSCDC, the specialised teams will support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, detection, protection of critical infrastructure and assets, crowd control and other election-related security responsibilities.
Senior Officers to Oversee Operation
The NSCDC said the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, would relocate to Osun State to supervise the Corps’ election security operations.
Audi assured residents that NSCDC personnel would remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights during the election.
He said protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials was essential to achieving a credible poll.
“The safety and security of election materials and electoral officials are very critical alongside the electorates; you have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualize a free, fair and credible election,” Audi said.
The NSCDC boss said personnel had been properly briefed on the importance of neutrality and professionalism and warned against any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
“Criminal-minded persons and political thugs willing to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election would face the wrath of the law as prescribed in the Electoral Act,” he warned.
NSCDC Warns Political Thugs
The Corps appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
The NSCDC said it would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other security agencies under the established inter-agency framework to maintain security across Osun State’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Audi also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security personnel during the election period.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities and security concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities.
With thousands of personnel and specialised units now deployed, the NSCDC said its priority is to help create a safe environment where voters and other stakeholders can participate in the Osun governorship election without fear.
Source: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
