NSCDC Deploys 10,210 Personnel, Tactical Units for Peaceful Osun Poll
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to Osun State ahead of the governorship election, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, ordered the deployment, which commenced on Monday, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Monday.
The deployment comprises 10,000 personnel drawn from 10 neighbouring state commands, with about 1,000 personnel each from Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory commands.
The personnel, comprising uniformed and undercover operatives, are expected to reinforce the Osun State Command and strengthen security coverage across the state in collaboration with other security agencies.
The NSCDC said the deployment was designed to protect voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents while preventing intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
The Corps also deployed specialised formations, including the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
According to the statement, the specialised units will support the regular personnel through intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other operational responsibilities.
For effective coordination and supervision, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to oversee the Corps’ election security operations.
Audi assured residents that the NSCDC would maintain professionalism, impartiality and respect for citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
He directed personnel to work closely with other security agencies to protect election materials and officials and ensure a free, fair and credible election.
“As an agency saddled with the responsibility of protecting critical infrastructure and national assets, the safety and security of election materials and electoral officials are very critical alongside the electorates,” Audi said.
He added that personnel had been properly briefed on the need to remain professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties.
The NSCDC warned political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt the election that security agencies would not tolerate activities capable of jeopardising 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,” the NSCDC chief warned.
The Corps urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to proceed without interference.
It also said it would continue to work with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination across Osun State’s 30 local government areas.
The NSCDC further appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security personnel, urging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
By TimesNG