The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,000 personnel to Osun State as part of measures to strengthen security ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The personnel are being drawn from 10 neighbouring state commands and the Federal Capital Territory, with about 1,000 officers coming from each command.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Abubakar Audi, ordered the deployment, which is expected to begin on Monday.
In a statement by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the deployment comprises uniformed and undercover personnel as well as specialised tactical units.
The personnel are expected to complement officers already stationed in Osun and provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Audi also approved the deployment of specialised teams, including the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
The NSCDC said the units would assist with intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd management, protection of critical infrastructure and other election-related duties.
For effective supervision, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to coordinate the Corps’ election security operations.
Audi urged the personnel to maintain neutrality and professionalism while respecting the rights of citizens.
He said, “The safety and security of election materials and electoral officials are very critical alongside the electorates.”
The NSCDC boss further directed the officers to work closely with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
He said, “Our personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties.”
Audi also warned political thugs and other individuals who may attempt to disrupt the poll against violating the law.
He said, “The NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies on election duty will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardise the election process.”
He added that anyone found attempting to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election would face legal consequences under the Electoral Act.
The Corps appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to maintain peace and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
It said it would collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other security agencies under the existing inter-agency security framework throughout the election period.
The deployment comes as security preparations intensify ahead of the August 15 poll, following an earlier announcement by the Nigeria Police Force that 15,000 personnel would be deployed to Osun State.
