The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 6,433 operatives to ensure security during the Edo Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday.
NSCDC spokesperson, Mr. Afolabi Babawale, revealed this in a statement from Abuja.
Babawale quoted the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Dr. Ahmed Audi, who instructed the personnel to remain non-partisan and uphold professionalism throughout their duties.
Dr. Audi emphasized, “The corps has a vital role to play in ensuring the protection of election materials; both sensitive and non-sensitive, before, during and after the election.”
Audi noted that, despite it not being a general election, the NSCDC has sufficient personnel to cover wards, polling units, collation centers, INEC offices, and other key areas.
He assured that the deployment would address all areas, including flashpoints.
“All personnel deployed are to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the election,” Audi added.
The deployment includes officers from the corps’ headquarters special forces, the CG’s special intelligence unit, the anti-vandal squad, the Chemical Biological Radiological and Explosive Unit, and the Kennel (K9) unit.
The CG also mentioned that the special forces and anti-vandal units would focus on protecting government facilities and infrastructure while monitoring identified flashpoints.
Undercover officers have been on surveillance to provide up-to-date intelligence from all 18 local governments in Edo.
Dr. Audi urged citizens to avoid violence, thuggery, and ballot box snatching, and warned parents and guardians against allowing their children to be used for violence.
“Anyone arrested would be charged accordingly in compliance with the extant laws,” he warned.
