By Jija-Bokoti Media
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to strengthen security operations ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The deployment was ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Abubakar Audi, and is expected to commence on Monday as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, safe and credible electoral process across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the personnel include both uniformed and undercover officers drawn from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory commands.
Each command is expected to contribute approximately 1,000 personnel to the operation.
Specialised Units Deployed
The NSCDC said the deployment would complement its existing personnel in Osun State and provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.
The Commandant-General also directed the deployment of specialised tactical and operational units, including the:
- Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit
- Specialised Female Squad
- Mining Marshals
- Special Strike Force
- Crack Squad
- K9 Unit
According to the Corps, the specialised units will support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control, protection of critical infrastructure and other election-related security operations.
To strengthen coordination, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to supervise the Corps’ election security operations.
NSCDC Assures Voters of Professional Conduct
Audi said personnel deployed for the election had been adequately briefed to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that protecting election materials, electoral officials and voters remained a key responsibility of the Corps.
“You have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualise a free, fair and credible election,” Audi said.
The NSCDC boss also warned political thugs and other individuals who may attempt to disrupt the election that such actions would not be tolerated.
He said the Corps, working alongside other security agencies, would take action against anyone attempting to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election in accordance with the law.
Appeal for Peaceful Election
The NSCDC urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents of Osun State to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to take its course.
The Corps also said it would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination throughout the election period.
The deployment comes as security preparations intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with the Nigeria Police Force also announcing the deployment of 15,000 personnel to the state.
The NSCDC said its deployment is aimed at strengthening security across Osun and ensuring that citizens can exercise their democratic rights in a safe and orderly environment.
