Osun
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the deployment as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
According to Afolabi, the deployment, which commenced on Monday, is aimed at providing a secure environment for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.
The statement said personnel from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) State Commands would reinforce the Osun State Command.
It added that about 1,000 personnel from each of the commands would be deployed, comprising both uniformed and undercover operatives, to strengthen security coverage across the state alongside other security agencies.
Audi also directed the deployment of specialised formations with capabilities tailored to the security requirements of the election.
They include the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
The statement said the specialised teams would complement the regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other security responsibilities within their areas of competence.
For effective coordination of the election security operations, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to supervise the deployment.
Audi assured residents that the NSCDC would maintain professionalism, impartiality and respect for citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that the protection of election materials, electoral officials and voters would remain a priority for the Corps.
Audi also directed personnel to work in unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
The Commandant-General warned that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, would not tolerate activities capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He added that political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election would face the law in accordance with the Electoral Act.
The NSCDC appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to maintain peace and allow the democratic process to take its course.
It said the Corps would continue to work with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Audi further urged residents to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant during the election period and cooperate with security personnel.
He also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities and security concerns promptly to the appropriate security authorities.