The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed over 10,000 operatives to ensure adequate security during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the deployment, which includes tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
The move, according to the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, is part of efforts to support the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency for election security.
Babawale told PUNCH Online on Thursday that the deployment was aimed at maintaining peace and guaranteeing a credible electoral process.
“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, has deployed over 10,000 operatives, including tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters, to enhance security at the governorship election in Anambra State,” he said.
He added that the Commandant General had addressed State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, warning politicians and their supporters against any actions or statements capable of inciting violence before, during, or after the election.
He explained that the deployment aligned with the resolutions of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The spokesperson noted that the corps, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process and provide protection for electoral materials and officials on duty.
Officers, he added, have been instructed to carry out their duties professionally and respect citizens’ fundamental human rights.
“All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed with immediate effect and man the various identified flash points.
“Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrol, while operatives deployed to various polling units and collation centres are to adhere strictly to the posting order.
“Based on the resolution of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, the NSCDC, alongside other security agencies on election duty, will monitor the election process and provide adequate security for election materials and electoral officials on duty.
“The officers have been directed to be professional while discharging their duties with respect for fundamental human rights of citizens,” the PRO stated.
According to him, the 10,250 operatives were drawn from the NSCDC National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and state commands in Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.
Babawale assured residents of Anambra State that the corps is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free election.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force announced plans to deploy 45,000 officers across Anambra State for the election.
The Force also stated that vigilante groups would not be allowed to operate during the exercise.
Earlier on Tuesday, during the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting held in Abuja, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, commended security agencies for their efforts in ensuring a safe environment for the upcoming polls.
He noted that coordinated patrols and strategic deployments would help guarantee peaceful conduct before, during, and after the election.
INEC disclosed that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, while 11 out of 13 scheduled pre-election activities have already been completed.
Among the remaining key activities are the conclusion of political campaigns on November 6, and the governorship election itself on November 8.
