The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has said it has deployed 20,850 operatives to safeguard lives and protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure during Saturday’s by-elections.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission will hold the polls in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Babatunde Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
He explained that the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, ordered the massive deployment to guarantee a smooth and secure exercise in all affected areas.
Audi gave assurances that the corps was fully prepared to secure election materials, protect officials, and oversee the process in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, which leads election duty operations.
He also directed the 12 state commandants to maintain high professional standards, uphold citizens’ rights, and ensure the polls are peaceful.
“You are hereby directed to work in synergy with relevant sister security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger and all states where the by-election would be held,” Audi said.
The Commandant-General encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and freely choose their preferred candidates, describing the act as both a franchise and a fundamental right.
