The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,433 officers and men of the Corps to Edo State to ensure the smooth and hitch-free conduct of the gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday.
Audi instructed the personnel being deployed to the state to remain apolitical, act professionally, and maintain discipline while on election duty.
He emphasized that the NSCDC plays a crucial role in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, adding that the security of election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, remains paramount for the operatives before, during, and after the election.
NSCDC Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Audi stated that the NSCDC would deploy over 300 operatives each from Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo, and Enugu. He noted that the Edo State Command has about 3,626 officers on the ground for the election, while the Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands would contribute 400 and 350 personnel, respectively.
He further noted that 607 Special Forces would be deployed from the National Headquarters, including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti-Vandal Squad, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosive Unit. The Kennel (K9) Unit has also been mobilized for the governorship election.
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“Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all areas, including flashpoints. Since we do not have a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across wards, polling units, collation centers, INEC offices, and other areas.”
“All personnel deployed are to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election. The Special Forces and Anti-Vandal Squad are tasked with protecting government facilities and infrastructure, with particular attention to identified flashpoints and volatile areas. Notably, undercover officers have been deployed a few days before the election to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide up-to-date intelligence reports and real-time security updates from all 18 local governments in Edo State.”
“I urge politicians not to unnecessarily heat the polity. You are also advised to avoid all forms of violence, thuggery, ballot box snatching, and any other forms of electoral malpractices that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.”
“It is crucial to strongly warn that parents and guardians should prevent their children from being used as instruments of violence or being sponsored by desperate politicians to cause mayhem and electoral violence. Those arrested will be charged accordingly in compliance with the extant laws.”
The Commandant-General has directed the Deputy Commander General in charge of Operations, DCG Philip Ayuba, to ensure the overall supervision, monitoring, and effective coordination of the deployed personnel before, during, and after the elections.
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