NSCDC Deploys 10,210 Personnel for Osun Election

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel, including specialised tactical units, to reinforce security operations across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi announced the deployment, which commences Monday, as part of the Corps’ commitment to ensuring that voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents can participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, according to a statement by spokesman Babawale Afolabi.

“Personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties,” Audi said in the statement.

The deployment comprises 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands, including Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory, with about 1,000 personnel from each command reinforcing the Osun State Command.

Audi also directed the deployment of specialised formations, including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.

The specialised teams will complement the regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention, detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other security responsibilities.

Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Ayuba Phillip, together with designated Assistant Commandant Generals and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to oversee the Corps’ election security operations.

The NSCDC will work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination across the state’s 30 local government areas.

“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,” Audi said.

The NSCDC appealed to all political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to take its course.

The Corps also called on residents to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant and to report suspicious activities or security concerns to the appropriate authorities.