By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to reinforce security operations across Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the deployment, which commenced on Monday, was part of the Corps’ efforts to ensure that voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
According to the statement, uniformed and undercover personnel from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) State Commands, with about 1,000 personnel from each command, would reinforce the Osun State Command and strengthen security coverage across the state alongside other security agencies deployed for the election.
The statement said Audi had also directed the deployment of specialised formations with capabilities suited to the security needs of the election.
They include the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
“The specialised teams will complement the regular deployment through intelligence gathering, crime prevention, detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other security responsibilities within their respective areas of competence,” the statement read.
To ensure effective coordination and supervision, the statement said the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General (ACGs) and other senior officers, would relocate to Osun State to oversee the Corps’ election security operations.
Audi assured the people of Osun State that the NSCDC would remain professional, impartial and respectful of the rights of all citizens throughout the electoral process.
He said the protection of election materials, electoral officials and voters remained critical to the successful conduct of the election.
“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; you have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualize a free, fair and credible election.
“Our personnel have been properly briefed on the need to be professional, neutral and respectful in the discharge of their duties. In the light of the above, the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies on election duty, will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardise 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 as prescribed in the Electoral Act,” he said.
The NSCDC appealed to all political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow the democratic process to take its course.
It said the Corps would continue to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework to ensure effective coordination and a peaceful electoral environment across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.
Audi also called on the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant and cooperate with security personnel throughout the election period.
He urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the appropriate security authorities.
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