NSCDC Deploys 10,210 Personnel, Tactical Units For Osun Governorship Election  

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to reinforce security operations across Osun State ahead of the governorship election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Monday in Abuja.

Afolabi said the deployment, which commenced on Monday, was part of the Corps’ commitment to ensuring that voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.

According to the statement, uniformed and undercover personnel from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) State Commands have been deployed to reinforce the Osun State Command.

The statement added that about 1,000 personnel from each of the 10 commands would strengthen security coverage across the state, working alongside other security agencies assigned to election duties.

The NSCDC said the deployment was designed to enhance security before, during and after the election, while providing a safe and conducive environment for the exercise of voters’ rights.

The Commandant General also directed the deployment of specialised formations with capabilities suited to the security needs of the election. These 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.

The specialised teams , the statement further disclosed will complement the regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other security responsibilities within their respective areas of competence.

The NSCDC promised to remain professional, impartial and respectful of the rights of all citizens throughout the electoral process, while assuring residents of adequate security coverage.

The Commandant General also warned that the Corps, in collaboration with other security agencies, would not tolerate activities capable of jeopardising the election process, stressing that criminal elements and political thugs seeking to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election would face the law as prescribed by the Electoral Act.

He appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to take its course.

The NSCDC said it would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination and a peaceful electoral environment across Osun State’s 30 local government areas.

The Corps boss urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, supporters and residents, to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to the rules guiding the electoral process.

It also warned against acts capable of disrupting the election, stressing that personnel deployed for the exercise would remain professional, impartial and focused on maintaining law and order.

He also urged residents to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant, and to cooperate with security personnel throughout the election period, encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the appropriate security authorities.