The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 10,000 personnel to provide security ahead of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.
According to the Corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the deployment—approved by the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi—includes tactical units from the NSCDC’s national headquarters in Abuja. He said the move is part of efforts to support the Nigeria Police Force, which serves as the lead agency for election security.
Babawale explained that the operatives will help maintain peace and ensure a credible election process. “The Commandant General has deployed over 10,000 operatives, including tactical forces, to enhance security during the Anambra governorship election,” he stated.
Prof. Audi, in a briefing with State Commandants and Tactical Squad leaders, warned politicians and their supporters against actions or statements that could trigger violence before, during, or after the polls. He emphasized that the deployment aligns with resolutions from the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
The NSCDC noted that its officers, alongside other security agencies, will monitor the election process, safeguard electoral materials, and protect INEC officials on duty. Officers have also been instructed to act professionally and respect citizens’ rights.
“All intelligence and undercover officers have been directed to move immediately to identified flashpoints, while tactical forces will conduct 24-hour patrols. Operatives posted to polling units and collation centres are to strictly follow their assignments,” Babawale added.
He further disclosed that 10,250 personnel were drawn from the NSCDC National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and state commands across Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.
Babawale assured residents of Anambra that the corps is fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free election.
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In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force also announced plans to deploy 45,000 officers across the state for the election, adding that vigilante groups will not be allowed to operate during the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, commended security agencies for their coordinated efforts during the recent ICCES meeting in Abuja. He said joint patrols and strategic deployments would help guarantee peace before, during, and after the election.
INEC revealed that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, with 11 out of 13 pre-election activities already completed. The commission confirmed that campaigns will officially end on November 6, two days before the governorship election on November 8.
