The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the deployment of 10,250 operatives across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election, with a stern warning against electoral violence and political incitement.
Announcing the deployment in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Audi said the move is part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free election. He noted that the Corps’ personnel, including tactical squads, intelligence officers, and special operations teams, will work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency in election security management.
“The deployment is hinged on effective coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among all security agencies to guarantee a violence-free election,” Audi stated while addressing state commandants and heads of tactical units.
He warned politicians and their supporters to refrain from provocative statements and actions capable of breaching the peace before, during, or after the polls.
“All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to man identified flashpoints. Tactical forces must begin 24-hour patrols, while operatives deployed to polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to the posting order,” he directed.
The Commandant General emphasized the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, stressing that all operatives must discharge their duties with neutrality and integrity.
Citing the resolutions of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Audi reaffirmed that the NSCDC, alongside other security agencies, will provide protection for election materials, electoral officials, and voters throughout the process.
According to him, the 10,250 operatives are drawn from the Corps’ National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and NSCDC formations across Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa States.
He assured residents of Anambra of the Corps’ readiness to safeguard lives and property, adding that the NSCDC will maintain vigilance before, during, and after the election to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in delivering a transparent and credible election.