The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned that it will take decisive action against anyone who attempts to disrupt Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Abubakar Audi, issued the warning on Thursday, August 13, during an operational visit to Osun to assess the corps’ preparedness and improve coordination ahead of the poll.
Audi also urged personnel to remain professional and ensure that the election takes place without violence.
“We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” the statement by the agency’s spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, quoted him as saying.
During his visit, the NSCDC chief held meetings with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and officers attached to the corps’ state command.
At the Government House meeting, Adeleke commended Audi for personally visiting the state and praised the NSCDC for its role in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The governor, however, raised concerns about what he described as recent security threats allegedly linked to political factions seeking to intimidate voters.
Adeleke urged the corps to deploy sufficient personnel to counter potential threats, arrest individuals planning violence and protect voters before, during and after the election.
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Audi later proceeded to the INEC State Headquarters, where he met the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s responsibility to protect critical national assets, including electoral materials and facilities, while assuring INEC of the corps’ operational support.
He also warned individuals against vandalising electoral infrastructure or interfering with the conduct of the election.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” Audi said.
Babalola thanked Audi for the visit and praised the cooperation between INEC and the NSCDC. She said the Commandant-General’s presence demonstrated leadership and commitment to the election security assignment.
At the NSCDC state command headquarters, Audi addressed officers deployed for the election and instructed them to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the law.
He specifically warned personnel against being trigger-happy and directed them to follow established rules of engagement while carrying out their duties.
The Commandant-General also instructed NSCDC personnel to work closely with other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency for election security operations.
The corps said it remained committed to protecting the electoral process and ensuring that law-abiding residents could cast their votes in a safe and secure environment.