NSCDC deploys over 22,600 personnel for Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa polls
Determined to ensure free, fair and credible gubernatorial elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States scheduled for 11th November 2023, the Commandant General (CG), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD mni, OFR, has directed the deployment of 22, 600 personnel of the Corps, comprising Officers and men as he charges them to maintain high ethical standards, discipline, professional conduct and remain apolitical.
The CG reiterated its commitment to support democratic governance and processes; and explained that the deployment is to provide water-tight security for the electorate, officials, other stakeholders, and sensitive and non-sensitive materials before, during and after the exercise in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
He extends his call to residents of the three states urging them to cooperate with the NSCDC and sister agencies and shun any act capable of thwarting the strategic plans put on the ground for the peaceful conduct of the elections and causing a breach of peace or damage to critical national assets and infrastructure.
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The CG warns against any act of thuggery, ballot box snatching, and other acts that could mar the exercise and call on politicians to caution their supporters, emphasizing that sabotage will not be condoned.
“The Corps made the mass deployment in the affected states where elections are to be held. Our personnel are adequately briefed on how to discharge their duties in synergy with other security agencies and stakeholders”, CG added.
He assures that “we will remain neutral on the field to ensure the security of electorate, other stakeholders and election officials and no act of sabotage will be tolerated.”
Continuing, he says; “to have a hitch-free exercise, undercover operatives, Arms Squad, operatives in the Counter-Terrorism, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Female Special Force, Rapid Response Squad, Crack Squad and Anti-vandal Unit are all detailed to prevent any vacuum which saboteurs may leverage on to perpetrate any act that could breach the peace in the states…”
To supporters of different political parties, the Corps helmsman advises them to adhere to the rules of the game set by the electoral umpire and not to indulge in any act that could cause chaos before, during and after the election and stresses the need for contestants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship by either accepting the outcome of the scheduled election or seek redress as provided by the law.
Signed :
CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi
National Public Relations Officer
NSCDC NHQ, Abuja
