The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical formations to Osun State as part of measures to strengthen security ahead of the governorship election.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the deployment, directing personnel to provide comprehensive security coverage across the state before, during and after the election.
Personnel drawn from the NSCDC commands in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory will reinforce the Osun Command. About 1,000 officers from each of the contributing commands are expected to participate in the operation.
Audi also approved the deployment of specialised units with capabilities tailored to the security demands of the election.
The formations include the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
According to the Corps, the specialised units will support conventional personnel in intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical infrastructure and assets, crowd management and other election-related security duties.
For effective command and supervision, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, together with designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun to coordinate the NSCDC’s election security operations.
Audi assured residents that the Corps would maintain professionalism, neutrality and respect for fundamental rights throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that safeguarding election materials, electoral officers and voters would remain a top priority, while urging NSCDC personnel to cooperate effectively with other security agencies to ensure a credible election.
The NSCDC boss warned that political thugs, criminals and other individuals who attempt to disrupt the election would be dealt with in accordance with the law and provisions of the Electoral Act.
He said personnel had been adequately briefed to remain professional, impartial and respectful while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Corps also appealed to political parties, candidates, their supporters and residents to maintain peace, avoid provocation and allow the democratic process to proceed without interference.
The NSCDC said it would operate in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces and other security agencies under the existing inter-agency security framework.
The coordinated operation, it said, would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State to ensure a safe and orderly electoral environment.
Audi further urged residents to remain calm and vigilant during the election period and to promptly report suspicious movements, threats or other security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
