The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi has visited Osun State to assess security preparedness and strengthen inter-agency coordination ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
According to an official statement signed by Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Audi, during the operational visit, held separate meetings with the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and personnel of the NSCDC Osun State Command.
The Commandant General reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible election, stressing that adequate security measures would be deployed to protect voters, electoral facilities, materials and other critical national assets and infrastructure.
“We do not want any bloodshed,” Audi said. “We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process.”
At his meeting with Governor Adeleke, the governor commended the Commandant General for personally undertaking the operational visit and praised the NSCDC for its sustained efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the state.
Adeleke expressed concern over emerging security threats ahead of the election, noting that although Osun had historically enjoyed relatively peaceful elections, recent activities by political factions aimed at intimidating voters had heightened security concerns.
He urged the NSCDC to deploy adequate personnel and take necessary measures to neutralise threats and apprehend individuals planning to perpetrate violence or disrupt the electoral process.
Audi also visited the INEC State Headquarters, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The Commandant General assured the electoral body of the Corps’ full operational support, noting that the protection of critical national assets, including electoral materials and facilities, remained within the mandate of the NSCDC.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” he warned.
Responding, Babalola thanked the Commandant General for the visit and commended the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NSCDC.
She said Audi’s personal presence in the state demonstrated his commitment to the electoral assignment and assured him of INEC’s readiness to conduct a transparent, free and fair election.
At the NSCDC Osun State Command Headquarters, Audi addressed officers and personnel deployed for the election and charged them to maintain professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He cautioned personnel against being trigger-happy and directed them to comply fully with established rules of engagement while carrying out their duties.
The Commandant General also stressed the importance of effective collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency in election security operations.
He urged officers to exercise sound judgment in handling situations, maintain effective communication with their team leaders and discharge their responsibilities with dedication, discipline and integrity.
Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring a secure environment for law-abiding citizens to exercise their franchise during the election.
