The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 6,433 personnel for the September 21 Edo State governorship election.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who made the deployment, charged them to remain apolitical, act professionally, and maintain discipline while on election duty.
He explained that the NSCDC has a vital role to play in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Audi explained that securing election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, has become very important for operatives before, during, and after the election.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, CSC Afolabi Babawale, in a statement on Wednesday, said the NSCDC will deploy over 300 operatives each from the Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo, and Enugu Commands.
He stated that the Edo State Command has about 3,626 officers on the ground for the election, while the Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands will contribute 400 and 350 personnel, respectively.
Additionally, 607 Special Forces will be deployed from the National Headquarters, comprising the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti-Vandal Squad, Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit, with the Kennel Unit also mobilized for the election.
Quoting the Commandant-General, the statement said: “Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flashpoints. Since this is not a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across Wards, Polling Units, Collation Centres, 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 will ensure the protection of government facilities and infrastructure, with extra attention given 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 assessments from all the 18 local governments in Edo State.
“Let me use this opportunity to urge politicians not to unnecessarily heat the polity. You are also advised to shun all forms of violence, thuggery, ballot box snatching, and any other form of electoral malpractice that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.
“It is very important to warn in strong terms that parents and guardians should prevent their children from being used as instruments of violence or from being sponsored by desperate politicians to cause mayhem and electoral violence. Those arrested will be charged accordingly, in compliance with the extant laws,” the statement said.
Edo guber: NSCDC deploys 6,433 personnel
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