The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has mobilised 10,000 personnel from 10 state commands to strengthen security ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The deployment, ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, is set to begin on Monday as part of efforts to safeguard the electoral process and maintain peace across the state.
According to the Corps’ spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, about 1,000 personnel will be drawn from each of the Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and Federal Capital Territory commands.
The officers, comprising both uniformed and undercover personnel, will complement the existing NSCDC formation in Osun and provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Audi also approved the deployment of specialised operational units, including the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
The specialised teams are expected to focus on intelligence gathering, crime prevention, protection of critical infrastructure, crowd control and other election-related security responsibilities.
For effective coordination, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun to oversee the Corps’ operations during the election.
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Audi charged the deployed personnel to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties.
He stressed that the protection of electoral materials, officials and voters remained a major priority, while urging NSCDC personnel to work closely with other security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
The NSCDC boss also warned political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt the poll that they would face the full weight of the law.
The Corps called on political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to maintain peace and allow the democratic process to proceed without disruption.
The deployment is part of broader security preparations for the August 15 election, coming after the Nigeria Police Force announced plans to deploy 15,000 personnel to Osun State.