Osun Poll: NSCDC Deploys 10,210 Personnel, Tactical Units to Forestall Violence
By Matthew Eloyi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to Osun State ahead of the governorship election, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, directed the deployment of 10,000 personnel drawn from 10 neighbouring state commands, with an additional 210 officers from specialised formations.
The deployment, which begins on Monday, is aimed at strengthening security across the state and ensuring the safety of voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents before, during and after the election.
The personnel will be drawn from the NSCDC commands in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with approximately 1,000 personnel from each command deployed to reinforce the Osun State Command.
The Corps said both uniformed and undercover personnel would be deployed as part of the security architecture, working alongside other security agencies to provide comprehensive coverage across the state.
In addition to the regular personnel, the NSCDC Commandant General ordered the deployment of specialised formations, including 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.
According to the Corps, the specialised teams would provide intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other security functions according to their areas of expertise.
To ensure effective coordination and supervision, the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants General and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to directly supervise the NSCDC’s election security operations.
Audi assured the people of Osun State that the Corps would remain professional, impartial and respectful of the rights of citizens throughout the electoral process.
He stressed the importance of protecting election materials and electoral officials, as well as ensuring the safety of voters.
“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; you have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other Security Agencies on Election duty to actualize a free, fair and credible election.”
The NSCDC boss also said personnel had been adequately briefed on the need to maintain neutrality and professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities.
“Our personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties.”
Audi warned political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt the election that security agencies would deal firmly with any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
“In the light of the above the NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies on election duty will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardize the election 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 Corps appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to shun violence, intimidation and other forms of electoral malpractice and allow the democratic process to proceed peacefully.
It said the NSCDC would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
The Commandant General also urged residents to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant throughout the election period, while encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities and security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The deployment is coming as security agencies intensify preparations for the Osun governorship election, with authorities seeking to prevent violence, protect electoral personnel and materials, and guarantee citizens’ freedom to exercise their franchise without fear.