The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel to reinforce security operations across Osun State ahead of the election.
According to a statement signed by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the deployment began on Monday and includes personnel drawn from 10 State Commands, as well as specialised tactical and operational units.
The statement noted that the measure was part of the Corps’ commitment to ensuring that voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists, and residents participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
Babawale explained that about 1,000 personnel each from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commands were deployed to Osun to reinforce the command-and-control structures already in place.
He added that specialised formations tailored to election security needs-including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad, and the K9 Unit-would complement regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control, and protection of critical assets.
For effective coordination, the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, along with designated Assistant Commandants General (ACGs) and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to oversee the Corps’ operations.
Prof. Audi assured residents that the NSCDC would remain professional, impartial, and respectful of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
‘As an agency responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and national assets, the safety and security of election materials, officials, and voters are paramount. Our personnel have been properly briefed to act professionally, neutrally, and respectfully. Any attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election will be met with the full force of the law as prescribed in the Electoral Act,’ he said.
The NSCDC appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to run its course.