NSCDC Assures INEC of Tight Security for Osun Governorship Election
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Corps’ readiness to protect electoral materials, facilities and other critical national assets ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
Prof. Audi gave the assurance during an operational visit to the INEC State Headquarters in Osun State, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The Commandant General reiterated that the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure is a statutory responsibility of the NSCDC, stressing that electoral facilities and materials fall within the category of assets the Corps is mandated to safeguard.
He said NSCDC personnel would work closely with INEC and other sister security agencies to ensure a secure electoral environment that would enable voters, electoral officials, observers and other stakeholders to participate peacefully in the democratic process.
Prof. Audi further directed personnel deployed for the election to maintain professionalism, discipline and vigilance while carrying out their responsibilities, particularly in protecting INEC offices, sensitive electoral materials and other strategic infrastructure.
The NSCDC boss also issued a stern warning to vandals, troublemakers and individuals planning to disrupt the electoral process, stressing that the Corps would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the election.
“Anyone who attempts to vandalize assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” he warned.
He called on residents of Osun State to cooperate with security agencies and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election, noting that the protection of democracy is a collective responsibility.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, commended the Commandant General for personally visiting the Commission and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
She also appreciated the NSCDC for its continued support in protecting INEC facilities and electoral assets, expressing confidence that sustained inter-agency cooperation would contribute to a peaceful electoral process.
The operational visit further underscored the NSCDC’s preparedness to deploy its statutory mandate towards safeguarding the people, infrastructure and critical assets supporting Nigeria’s democratic process.
NSCDC Assures INEC of Tight Security for Osun Governorship Election