Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed about 11,226 operatives in the 31 local government areas of Osun State to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, gave approval for the deployment for effective coverage and manning of polling units, collation centres and protection of critical national assets before, during and after the elections.
He urged the NSCDC personnel to cooperate with other security agencies to prevent any form of unrest or breach of the peace in the 3,763 polling units throughout the 31 local councils.
Director of Public Relations of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, in a statement said the Commandant-General deployed the personnel drawn from the national headquarters and nine State Commands of Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Kogi and Edo.
According to the statement, “The CG stated that the objectives of the Corps in the forthcoming election is to create a secured environment for its successful conduct and enhance the general security in the State before, during and after the election.
“He explained that personnel had attended various workshops on best practices during election.
“They have also been acquainted with the provisions of the Electoral Act as regards to Rules of Engagement, hence, must comply with the Corps’ Operational Code, Standard Operating Procedure and above all, display of professionalism and high sense of discipline throughout the election.
“This robust operational order has been activated to ensure a hitch free exercise and guide against molestation and intimidation of the electorates by hoodlums or party thugs.
“Dr Audi hinted that, in readiness for the election, the Corps’ undercover personnel from the National Headquaters have joined their counterparts in Osun State for covert operations to nip any security compromise in the bud.”
The NSCDC boss said Deputy Commandant General (DCG) in charge of Operations, Dauda Mungadi would oversee the election exercise.