Ahead of the November 11, 2023 off-cycle election, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,650 personnel along with sniffer dogs to Imo state, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed to reporters by the NSCDC Commandant in Imo, Matthew Ovye, on Wednesday.
According to the Imo NSCDC Commandant, 1,650 of the personnel are from the State Command, while the additional 3,000 personnel were deployed from other parts of the Nation for Saturday’s election.
Ovye explained that the primary assignment of the personnel deployed for the election includes; safeguarding critical national assets, government infrastructure, election materials, personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the electorate.
He, therefore, charged the personnel deployed for the election to carry out their duties professionally, ensuring that the state is peaceful and that voters exercise their franchise without any intimidation.
The NSCDC Commandant also urged the personnel to be accessible and nonpartisan, noting that punitive actions would be taken against any of the personnel found violating these directives.
Ovye further warned contestants and their supporters in the state to adhere to established rules, noting that the operatives of the Corps are combat-ready to clamp down on intruders and offenders.
Also speaking on the Corps’ commitment towards a peaceful election in Imo state, the Corps’ Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, issued a warning against any planned disruptions of peace in the state on election day.
“We will match violence for violence, we are combat ready and crack ready, and we will synergise with the police in providing security,” he warned.
