The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed over 10,000 operatives to provide security during the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 8th November.
Prof. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Corps, ordered the deployment, which includes tactical forces from the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.
Afolabi Babawale, spokesperson for the NSCDC, explained on Thursday that the deployment was designed to support the Nigeria Police Force, which serves as the lead agency for election security.
“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.
Babawale disclosed that the Commandant General had briefed state commandants and heads of tactical squads, issuing stern warnings to politicians and their supporters against actions or statements capable of inciting violence before, during, or after the election.
The deployment, according to him, aligns with resolutions of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
The corps, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process and provide protection for electoral materials and officials on duty, the spokesperson noted.
He added that officers have been instructed to discharge their duties professionally whilst respecting 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, whilst operatives deployed to various polling units and collation centres are to adhere strictly to the posting order,” Babawale stated.
He explained that 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.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to deploy 45,000 officers across Anambra State for the election. The force also stated that vigilante groups would not be permitted to operate during the exercise.
During the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, 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 approximately 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, whilst 11 out of 13 scheduled pre-election activities have already been completed.
The remaining key activities include the conclusion of political campaigns on 6th November and the governorship election itself on 8th November.
