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The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, has warned that the corps will take decisive action against anyone attempting to disrupt the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
Audi issued the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to the state to assess security preparations and strengthen coordination ahead of the poll.
In a statement by the NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, Audi said the corps would not tolerate violence or attempts to interfere with the electoral process.
“We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” he said.
He stressed that anyone seeking to disrupt the election would face decisive action, while urging all stakeholders to ensure that the poll was conducted peacefully.
During the visit, Audi met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and personnel of the NSCDC state command.
Adeleke commended the NSCDC chief for personally assessing the state’s security preparedness and praised the corps for its role in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The governor, however, expressed concern over what he described as recent security threats linked to political factions and allegedly aimed at intimidating voters.
He urged the NSCDC to deploy adequate personnel, neutralise security threats and arrest anyone planning violence or seeking to disrupt the election.
Audi later visited the INEC state headquarters, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
He reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility for protecting electoral materials and facilities, while warning against vandalism and interference with the electoral process.
Audi described the NSCDC as an important part of the election security framework and said anyone who attempted to damage protected assets or interfere with the poll would be dealt with.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” Audi said.
Babalola thanked the NSCDC chief for the visit and commended the cooperation between the commission and the corps, describing his presence as a demonstration of commitment to the election security assignment.
At the NSCDC state command headquarters, Audi addressed officers deployed for the election and directed them to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the law.
He warned personnel against being trigger-happy and instructed them to comply with the established rules of engagement.
The NSCDC chief also directed his officers to maintain close coordination with other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency for election security operations.
The corps said it remained committed to protecting the electoral process and ensuring a safe environment for voters and other citizens during Saturday’s election.
