The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the deployment of 6,000 personnel to strengthen security efforts for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, set for November 16, 2024.
This deployment, the Corps confirmed, is designed to ensure a secure, credible, and peaceful electoral process across all 18 Local Government Areas in the state.
According to a press release signed by NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, directed the large-scale deployment of officers from Ondo and neighboring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta.
Dr. Audi emphasized that this mobilization highlights the Corpsโ commitment to safeguarding election activities and preventing any threats to public safety.
โWe are prepared to provide comprehensive security before, during, and after the polls,โ he said. โOur focus remains on ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.โ
The NSCDCโs security measures will involve protecting critical national assets, securing Independent National Electoral Commission officials, and ensuring the smooth distribution of voting materials.
The operation will also extend to coastal areas, with coverage planned for all 203 wards and 3,933 polling units in the state.
Specialized units within the NSCDC, including the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, will play a critical role in the security operation.
Additional support will be provided by K-9, Marine, and Election Monitoring units, as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.
Audi called for professionalism and discipline from officers and highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Nigeria Police, the lead agency in election security. โAll personnel must work closely with the Nigeria Police to ensure a secure election environment,โ he noted.
Urging parents to caution their children against involvement in election-related violence, Audi underscored the Corpsโ zero-tolerance policy toward any form of disruption. โWe are committed to protecting the rights of voters, and anyone attempting to undermine the election process will face prosecution under the electoral law,โ he added.
The NSCDCโs security plan aims to deter political violence and safeguard public utilities, with a firm stance against vandalism and thuggery throughout the electoral process.
