NSCDC deploys 6,000 pfficers for comprehensive security ahead of Ondo election

In preparation for the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 6,000 officers to ensure robust security across the state. The deployment is part of the Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process.

Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi. He emphasized the Corps’ preparedness to provide comprehensive security before, during, and after the election.

“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during, and after the November 16 Ondo governorship election,” the statement said.

Audi further clarified that personnel would be deployed not only from Ondo State but also from neighboring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, to ensure wide coverage across the state.

“The NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” Audi added, highlighting the importance of a peaceful electoral environment. “The Corps will deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, among others.”

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The officers will be tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and national assets, protecting election officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and ensuring the secure distribution of election materials. The deployment will cover all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 polling units across the state, including its coastal areas.

Specialised units will be part of the operation, including the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit. Additionally, the K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, Election Monitoring Unit, and the Intelligence and Investigation Department will contribute to the overall security effort.

“The personnel drawn from the host state, neighbouring states, and the National Headquarters include the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshall, Election Monitoring Unit, as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department,” the statement read.

Audi also emphasized the importance of preventing political violence and thuggery. He stressed the need for cooperation with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency for election security, and called on all NSCDC officers to demonstrate professionalism and discipline.

“There are comprehensive and strategic measures already in place, aimed at forestalling all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during, and after the elections,” Audi stated. “You must work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security.”

In his remarks, the NSCDC boss also warned against acts of vandalism, the destruction of public utilities, and any form of election-related violence. He urged parents to caution their children against being used by political actors for violent purposes, stressing the need for collective responsibility in ensuring a peaceful election.

Audi concluded by assuring the public of the Corps’ commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting voters’ rights, and ensuring the prosecution of anyone found attempting to disrupt the electoral process. “We will arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to disrupt the election process in accordance with the electoral law,” he said.

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