The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken steps to beef up security in Edo State ahead of the governorship election, News About Nigeria reports.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, disclosed this in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps (CSC), Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday.
He noted that necessary measures and steps will be taken to ensure that peace is maintained before, during, and after the election.
According to Audi, the Defence Corps has deployed 6,433 officers and men ahead of the election, adding that over 300 operatives each from Ondo, Delta, Kogi, Osun, Imo, and Enugu Commands will be deployed in addition to the 3,626 officers of the Edo State Police Command already on the ground for the election.
He also stated that the Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands will draft 400 and 350 personnel, respectively.
Audi noted that the security of election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, has become very vital for the operatives before, during, and after the election.
He stated, “Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flashpoints. Since we do not have a general election, we have enough personnel to deploy across wards, polling units, collation centres, INEC offices, and other areas.
“All personnel deployed are to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the election; the special forces and anti-vandal squad are to ensure the protection of government facilities and infrastructure with more attention paid to the identified flashpoints and volatile areas. Notably, the undercover officers have been deployed a few days before the election to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide up-to-date intelligence reports and real-time security situations from all 18 local governments in Edo State.”
He also urged the personnel to remain apolitical, and act professionally and disciplined while on election duty, maintaining that the NSCDC has a vital role to play in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
