The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,250 officers to ensure adequate security during the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, approved the deployment, which includes tactical units from the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Corps, Afolabi Babawale, said on Thursday that the move was part of efforts to support the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency for election security.
He said, “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.”
Babawale explained that Audi had also addressed state commandants and heads of tactical units, warning politicians and their supporters to avoid acts or statements that could trigger violence before, during, or after the polls.
He noted that the deployment followed resolutions from the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, which aims to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process.
“All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to identified flashpoints. Tactical forces are to begin round-the-clock patrols, while officers assigned to polling units and collation centres must strictly follow the posting order,” he said.
He added that the NSCDC would work alongside other security agencies to protect electoral materials, officials, and voters, stressing that officers must carry out their duties professionally and with respect for human rights.
According to Babawale, the deployed personnel were drawn from the NSCDC Tactical Squad at the National Headquarters, Zone 13 in Awka, and commands across Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa states.
He assured residents that the corps is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible election, adding that citizens should go about their lawful activities without fear.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force said it would deploy 45,000 officers across Anambra State for the election and that vigilante groups would not be permitted to operate during the exercise.
Meanwhile, at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, commended security agencies for their efforts to guarantee a safe and orderly election.
He said coordinated patrols and strategic deployments would help secure the process before, during, and after the polls.
INEC revealed that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election, with 11 out of 13 pre-election activities already completed. Political campaigns are expected to end on November 6, ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
