The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced a deployment of 6,433 operatives to ensure security during the upcoming Edo State Governorship Election.
NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, outlined the security measures in a statement released by the corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale. Audi emphasized the critical role of the NSCDC in protecting both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials throughout the electoral process.
“The corps has a vital role to play in ensuring the protection of election materials, both sensitive and non-sensitive, before, during and after the election,” Audi stated.
He added, “Since we do not have a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across wards, polling units, collation centres, INEC office and other areas.”
The deployment strategy covers a wide range of specialized units, including the CG’s special intelligence unit, anti-vandal squad, Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit, and the Kennel (K9) unit. This diverse array of capabilities aims to address various potential security challenges that may arise during the election.
Highlighting the nature of the deployment, Audi said, “Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flashpoints.”
He stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, instructing NSCDC personnel to “work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election.”
A notable aspect of the NSCDC’s strategy involves the deployment of undercover officers. These operatives have been tasked with maintaining round-the-clock surveillance and providing real-time intelligence reports from all 18 local government areas in Edo State.
The Commandant General issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers, stating, “Citizens should shun all forms of violence, thuggery, snatching of the ballot box and any other form of electoral malpractices that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.”
He specifically addressed parents and guardians, urging them to prevent their children from being exploited by “desperate politicians who might want to cause mayhem and electoral violence.”
