The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and personnel to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the November 16 Ondo Governorship elections.
In a statement by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday in Abuja, Audi said the deployment of personnel to the state is aimed at ensuring a hitch-free exercise.
He emphasized that the NSCDC is fully prepared to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the Corps would deploy personnel from neighboring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, among others.
“In this election, the NSCDC has vital roles to play, including the protection of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the state; providing security for INEC officials and ad hoc staff; safeguarding the movements of election materials and their distribution both on land and in coastal areas; and the overall monitoring of the election process until the results are announced.”
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“Our personnel will be on the ground for security coverage on both land and in coastal areas across all 18 Local Government Areas, the 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units throughout the state.”
The NSCDC Boss said, “The personnel drawn from the host state, neighboring states, and the National Headquarters include: Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit (CBRNE), K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshall, Election Monitoring Unit (EMU), as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.”
“There are comprehensive and strategic measures in place to prevent all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during, and after the elections.”
“It is highly imperative that you work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security.
“Notably, effective collaboration is essential, as it will enhance a successful election process; therefore, all officers must be professional and disciplined as they interact with the public and other sister agencies.”
While warning against vandalism, destruction of public utilities, and election violence, the NSCDC helmsman advised guardians and parents to caution their children against being used as instruments of violence by desperate politicians.
He noted that the NSCDC is committed to protecting voters’ fundamental human rights, while criminal-minded individuals will not be spared but will be arrested and dealt with according to the provisions of the electoral act.
