The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel, including elite tactical teams and K9 units, to Ekiti State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election as part of extensive measures to ensure a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process.
The deployment was announced on Wednesday by the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, which said the operation is aimed at preventing electoral violence and safeguarding the integrity of the election.
According to the Corps, personnel have been mobilised from neighbouring states, including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun and Kogi, alongside additional operational support from Zones 11 and 6.
The NSCDC disclosed that specialised units such as the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialized Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Force, Crack Squad and the K9 Unit have been placed on high alert to identify and neutralise potential security threats before, during and after the election.
To oversee the operation, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, has appointed the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillips, to lead the security deployment in Ekiti State.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to a peaceful electoral exercise, Audi said the operation is designed to protect voters, election officials and other stakeholders while ensuring strict compliance with the law.
“Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official and citizen. We will tolerate no form of electoral violence, thuggery or disruption. Our specialised squads and tactical forces are fully briefed and strategically positioned to maintain absolute law and order,” he stated.
The Corps further revealed that it is collaborating closely with other security agencies to provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the election period. It added that all deployed personnel have been directed to uphold professionalism, neutrality and civility in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The large-scale deployment comes amid heightened preparations for the governorship election, with security agencies intensifying efforts to prevent voter intimidation, electoral violence and other activities capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.
The NSCDC also urged residents of Ekiti State to remain law-abiding, participate peacefully in the electoral process and promptly report any suspicious activities to security operatives.
Observers say the extensive security arrangement reflects the determination of authorities to ensure a peaceful and transparent election in the state.
