The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, as security agencies intensify preparations for a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The deployment was ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Abubakar Audi, and is scheduled to commence on Monday. The personnel will reinforce existing security teams in Osun and help protect voters, electoral officials, journalists, observers and residents across the state’s 30 local government areas.
According to the NSCDC, about 1,000 personnel will be drawn from each of the commands in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory.
The deployment will include both uniformed personnel and undercover officers, alongside specialised tactical and operational units of the Corps.
NSCDC spokesman Afolabi Babawale said the additional personnel are being deployed to strengthen security coverage before and during the election and ensure that residents can exercise their civic rights without intimidation.
The Commandant-General has also ordered the deployment of several specialised units, 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.
These units are expected to support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd management and the protection of critical infrastructure and other sensitive assets during the election.
To improve coordination, the NSCDC’s Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, will relocate to Osun alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers. They will oversee the Corps’ election security operations and coordinate the activities of personnel deployed across the state.
Audi said officers assigned to the election had been properly briefed on the need to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the electoral process. He also directed personnel to respect the rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.
The NSCDC Commandant-General stressed that protecting electoral materials, officials and voters remains a critical responsibility of security agencies, adding that the Corps would work closely with other agencies to support a free, fair and credible election.
He also issued a warning to political thugs and other individuals who may attempt to disrupt the election.
According to Audi, the NSCDC and other security agencies deployed for election duties will not tolerate acts capable of undermining the electoral process. Anyone found attempting to cause violence or interfere with the peaceful conduct of the election will face the consequences provided under the Electoral Act.
With thousands of additional personnel and specialised units being deployed, security authorities are aiming to provide a stronger security presence across Osun as the state prepares for the governorship poll.
The NSCDC has urged its personnel to remain disciplined and impartial while encouraging residents to participate peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to vote.
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