By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to professionalism, inter-agency collaboration, and adherence to the rule of law in ensuring peaceful and credible elections across Nigeria.
Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, made this declaration while delivering a goodwill message at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), themed “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria,” held at the NAF Conference Centre.
According to Audi, the NSCDC remains a reliable pillar of election security, working in close coordination with other security agencies to prevent electoral violence, facilitate intelligence sharing, and maintain public order before, during, and after elections.
“Effective synergy among security agencies is critical to safeguarding the electoral process,” he said, highlighting the Corps’ proactive role in supporting peaceful conduct and protecting citizens and critical infrastructure.
The Commandant General also underscored the essential role of Nigerians in the success of elections. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative, stressing that public participation is vital to strengthening the integrity of the process. “Credible elections are not achieved by security agencies alone; they require the active engagement of the people,” Audi said.
In addition, he highlighted the Judiciary’s role in sustaining electoral credibility, noting that confidence in legal institutions reinforces fairness, accountability, and trust in democratic outcomes. He stressed that transparent and secure elections underpin democratic stability, national unity, and sustainable development.
The lecture, chaired by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, featured former Resident Electoral Commissioner Barrister Mike Igini as the keynote speaker. Participants included representatives from the security sector, Judiciary, academia, and other critical stakeholders, fostering dialogue on enhancing electoral integrity and national security.
The NSCDC concluded by reiterating its readiness to continue collaborating with sister agencies and the public to safeguard lives and national assets, while ensuring the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections nationwide.
