The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to reinforce security ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The deployment, ordered by NSCDC Commandant-General Prof. Abubakar Audi, is scheduled to begin on Monday and is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process across the state.
According to NSCDC spokesman Afolabi Babawale, about 1,000 personnel each will be drawn from the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory commands. The deployment comprises both uniformed and undercover officers and will complement existing personnel in Osun.
The corps said the officers will provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Audi also ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit. These teams will support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control, protection of critical assets and other election-related operations.
For effective coordination, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun to supervise the corps’ election security operations.
Audi said personnel had been adequately briefed to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights, while working with other security agencies to protect electoral officials, materials and voters and ensure a free, fair and credible election.
The NSCDC boss warned political thugs and other criminal elements against attempting to disrupt the election, stressing that anyone seeking to undermine the electoral process would face the law under the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The corps urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to maintain peace and allow the democratic process to take place without disruption. It also reaffirmed its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework.
The deployment comes amid heightened security preparations for the election, with the Nigeria Police Force previously announcing the deployment of 15,000 personnel to Osun State.