The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units across Osun State ahead of the governorship election, as security agencies step up preparations for a peaceful and credible poll.
The deployment, ordered by the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, includes 10,000 personnel drawn from 10 neighbouring state commands, alongside specialised formations of the Corps.
The personnel are being deployed to protect voters, electoral officials, election materials, observers, journalists and residents, while preventing threats, intimidation and electoral violence.
According to a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the reinforcement began on Monday, with about 1,000 personnel each coming from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory Commands.
The operatives, comprising both uniformed and undercover personnel, will work alongside other security agencies under the existing inter-agency security arrangement.
Audi also directed the deployment of specialised units, including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
The Corps said the specialised formations would bolster intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical infrastructure, crowd management and o
It also stated that senior officers would also relocate to Osun to ensure effective command and coordination throughout the exercise.
The Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants General and other senior officers, will supervise the Corps’ election security operations in the state.
Audi assured residents that NSCDC personnel would operate professionally, impartially and with respect for citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
He charged officers to maintain close cooperation with other security agencies, stressing that the protection of voters, electoral officials and election materials would be central to the success of the election.
“Our personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
The NSCDC chief also issued a warning to political thugs and other criminal elements against attempting to disrupt the poll.
“In collaboration with other security agencies on election duty, [the NSCDC] will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardise the election process; 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 warned.
The Corps said its operations would cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, in coordination with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other sister security agencies.
Political parties, candidates and their supporters were urged to conduct themselves peacefully and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
Residents were also encouraged to remain calm and vigilant, cooperate with security personnel and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the relevant authorities.
The large-scale deployment comes as preparations intensify for the Osun governorship election, with security agencies seeking to prevent violence and other disruptions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
