ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has directed the deployment of 6,433 officers for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
The personnel are tasked with maintaining law and order throughout the election process, ensuring peace before, during, and after the voting.
Audi emphasized the need for impartiality, urging officers to remain apolitical, professional, and disciplined in the execution of their duties.
In a statement released by the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, Audi highlighted the Corps’ responsibility in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure during the election.
The NSCDC boss further directed his personnel to work closely with other security agencies to protect both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
To enhance security coverage, over 300 personnel will be deployed from neighboring states such as Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo, and Enugu.
According to the statement, Edo State already has 3,626 NSCDC officers on the ground, with Rivers and Bayelsa contributing 400 and 350 personnel, respectively.
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Additionally, 607 Special Forces from the NSCDC National Headquarters will be sent to Edo.
These forces include the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, the Special Female Squad, the Anti-Vandal Squad, and units from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosive (CBRE) Unit.
The Kennel (K9) Unit will also participate in the election security effort.
“Our deployment will cover all areas of Edo State, including potential flashpoints,” Audi stated.
He assured that with no general elections occurring simultaneously, there are enough personnel to secure every ward, polling unit, collation center, and the INEC office.
Also, he disclosed that Special Forces will focus on protecting government infrastructure, adding that undercover officers have already been dispatched to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide real-time intelligence from all 18 local government areas in the state.
Audi also cautioned politicians to avoid actions that could heighten tensions, urging them to refrain from violence, ballot box snatching, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
He further warned that parents and guardians should prevent their children from being used by desperate politicians to incite violence, stressing that anyone arrested would face legal consequences.
The NSCDC Commandant General concluded by directing Deputy Commander General (DCG) Philip Ayuba, who is in charge of Operations, to oversee the overall coordination, supervision, and monitoring of personnel before, during, and after the election.