By Sandra Kenneth
As preparations intensify for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the massive deployment of 10,000 personnel alongside specialized tactical units to guarantee a peaceful and seamless electoral process.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, directed that the deployment commence on Monday, pulling roughly 1,000 officers each from 10 state commands: Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to a statement issued by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the contingent comprises both uniformed and undercover operatives designed to reinforce existing security structures across Osun’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Special Units & High-Level Supervision
To safeguard voters, election officials, observers, journalists, and critical infrastructure, the Corps is deploying several elite divisions, including: Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialized Female Squad, Special Strike Force & Crack Squad, Mining Marshals & K9 Unit.
These specialized units will focus on intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control, and asset protection.
To maintain operational efficiency and direct coordination, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals, will relocate to Osun State to supervise operations on the ground.
Directives on Professionalism & Warning to Thugs
Addressing officers set for election duty, Prof. Audi underscored the necessity of strict neutrality and professionalism.
“As an agency saddled with the responsibility of protecting critical infrastructure and national assets, the safety and security of election materials and electoral officials are very critical alongside the electorates,” Audi stated. “You have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualise a free, fair, and credible election.”
The NSCDC Chief issued a stern warning against potential troublemakers and political thugs attempting to undermine the poll, cautioning that security agencies will enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act without compromise.
“The NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies on election duty, will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardize 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,” he warned.
