By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 10,250 operatives to ensure adequate security coverage during the November 8 Anambra State Governorship Election. The large-scale deployment, which includes tactical and intelligence personnel from the Corps’ National Headquarters and zonal commands, is part of a coordinated national strategy to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process.
In an official statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, disclosed that the decision underscores the Corps’ commitment to effective collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in line with the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) framework.
According to the statement, Prof. Audi, while addressing State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads ahead of the poll, emphasized the importance of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among all security stakeholders to prevent violence and guarantee credible elections.
He warned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements or engaging in acts capable of inciting unrest before, during, or after the election. “The Anambra Election is slated for Saturday, 8 November. All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed with immediate effect and man the various identified flashpoints,” he directed.
The Commandant General further ordered that tactical teams commence round-the-clock patrols across strategic locations, while officers deployed to polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to their posting orders. “Based on the resolution of the ICCES, the NSCDC, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process and provide adequate security for election materials and electoral officials on duty,” he stated.
Prof. Audi also reminded personnel to remain professional in the discharge of their duties, with full respect for the fundamental rights of citizens. He reaffirmed that the Corps’ primary objective was to ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and sensitive materials throughout the process.
He explained that the 10,250 operatives were drawn from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 Awka, and various state commands, including Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa. The deployment, he said, reflects the Corps’ readiness to provide comprehensive security coverage across all parts of the state.
Assuring the public of a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free election, Prof. Audi reiterated his confidence in the NSCDC’s capacity to complement other agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Every operative deployed must conduct themselves as ambassadors of peace and professionalism. The Corps will not tolerate any act of misconduct capable of undermining the integrity of the election,” he cautioned.
With this deployment, the NSCDC joins other security agencies in fortifying the security architecture ahead of the crucial Anambra governorship poll, reinforcing citizens’ confidence in the safety and credibility of the electoral process.
