NSCDC deploys 10,000 personnel for Osun governorship election

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to bolster security for the upcoming Osun State governorship election. The deployment, ordered by NSCDC Commandant-General Prof. Ahmed Audi, is designed to guarantee a peaceful and secure electoral process across the state's 30 local government areas.

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The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,000 personnel from 10 State Commands, alongside specialised tactical and operational units of the Corps, to reinforce security operations across Osun State.

Personnel drawn from commands including Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory will work alongside existing NSCDC staff in Osun. The corps stated that the deployment would ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists, and residents. Specialized units, such as the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, and K9 Unit, are among those deployed to support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and crowd control.

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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.

To ensure effective coordination, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, will relocate to Osun State to supervise the election security operations. Senior officers will also be present to oversee the corps' activities. Commandant-General Audi emphasized the importance of protecting election materials and officials, stressing the need for unbiased synergy with other security agencies to achieve a free, fair, and credible election.

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You have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualise a free, fair and credible election.

Audi instructed NSCDC personnel to remain professional, neutral, and respectful of citizens' rights throughout the election. He issued a stern warning against political thugs and anyone attempting to disrupt the election, stating that such activities would not be tolerated. The NSCDC's role in protecting critical national assets extends to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

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Our personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties.