NSCDC deploys 6,000 officers for Ondo governorship election

Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers to ensure security, ahead of the November 16 Ondo State Governorship Election.

This announcement was made through a statement from Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, at the National Headquarters in Abuja.

Audi emphasised that the NSCDC is fully prepared to contribute to a free, fair, and credible election process.

Read also: Ondo polls: Police bar Amotekun from security duties

He said that the Corps would deploy officers from neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, to strengthen security efforts.

“The NSCDC will play key roles in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, securing INEC officials and ad hoc staff, safeguarding the movement and distribution of election materials, and monitoring the entire election process until the results are announced”, Audi stated.

He confirmed that the Corps’ officers would be present across Ondo’s 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units, including Coastal communities.

The deployed personnel would include Special Female Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit (CBRNE), K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, and Election Monitoring Unit (EMU).

According to Audi, the Intelligence and Investigation Department will also play a significant role, with a focus on preventing political violence and curbing potential election-related unrest.

In his address, Audi reminded officers of the importance of collaboration with the Nigeria Police, the primary agency for election security, to maintain professionalism and discipline when interacting with the public and other security agencies.

Read also: Ondo guber: Factors that could determine election outcome

He further cautioned against acts of vandalism and election-related violence, urging parents and guardians to counsel their children against being used as tools for violence by politicians.

Audi affirmed that the NSCDC remains committed to protecting voters’ rights and warned that anyone engaging in criminal activities would face swift action under the electoral laws.