10,000 NSCDC Officers Deployed for Ekiti Election

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,000 personnel across Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, in a move aimed at ensuring a peaceful and violence-free electoral process.

The Corps said the deployment aligns with its statutory responsibility to safeguard lives, property and the integrity of elections.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by NSCDC spokesperson, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the personnel were drawn from several state commands including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun and Kogi, as well as reinforcement units from Zones 11 and 6.

The statement said, “As part of its statutory mandate to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free atmosphere during the upcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has ordered the massive deployment of 10,000 officers and men across the state.”

It added that the Commandant General ordered the deployment of elite tactical units to respond to any potential security threats before, during and after the election.

The units include the Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Specialized Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Force and Crack Squad, and the K9 Unit.

According to the statement, the Commandant General also appointed Deputy Commandant General (Operations), Ayuba Phillips, to oversee and coordinate the election security operation in the state.

The Corps said it remains fully prepared to protect the democratic process and ensure the safety of voters, election officials and residents.

“Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official, and citizen,” the statement said.

It warned against electoral violence, thuggery and disruption, stressing that security forces had been strategically positioned to maintain law and order.

The NSCDC also confirmed it is working with other security agencies to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the election period.

Afolabi urged personnel to remain professional, neutral and civil while discharging their duties in line with the Electoral Act, and encouraged residents to vote peacefully and report suspicious activities.