The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 6,433 officers and personnel for the September 21, Edo State Governorship election.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who made the announcement emphasised the importance of remaining apolitical, acting professionally, and maintaining discipline during their duties.

Audi highlighted the NSCDC’s critical role in safeguarding national assets and ensuring the security of election materials before, during, and after the election.

According to a statement from the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC will deploy over 300 operatives each from Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo, and Enugu Commands.
Babawale stated that the Edo State Command would have approximately 3,626 officers on the ground, with Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands contributing 400 and 350 personnel, respectively.

In addition, 607 Special Forces will be sent from the National Headquarters, including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Female Squad, Anti-Vandal Squad, and Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit. The K9 Unit has also been mobilized for the election.

According to the statement, Audi said, “Our deployment will cover all areas, including potential flashpoints. “With no general election taking place, we have sufficient personnel to cover Wards, Polling Units, Collation Centres, INEC offices, and more.”

He urged all deployed personnel to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful election, particularly focusing on protecting government facilities in identified volatile areas.

The statement noted that undercover officers had also been assigned to provide continuous surveillance and intelligence reports from all 18 local governments in Edo State.

The Commandant General called on politicians to avoid escalating tensions and to reject violence, thuggery, ballot box snatching, and other electoral misconduct.
He strongly urged parents and guardians to prevent their children from being involved in violence or used by unscrupulous politicians, warning that those arrested would face legal consequences.

Audi has tasked the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, DCG Philip Ayuba, with overseeing the deployment and ensuring effective coordination before, during, and after the elections.