NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Operatives for Nationwide By-Elections Security

|By Adejumo Adekunle

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilised 20,850 operatives to safeguard lives, election materials, and polling stations during Saturday’s by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states.

NSCDC spokesperson Babatunde Afolabi, in a statement on Friday, said Commandant-General Ahmed Audi ordered the deployment to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.

Audi said the corps would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the lead agency for election security, to protect electoral officials, voters, and materials. He directed state commandants to uphold professionalism, respect citizens’ rights, and maintain order at polling units.

“You are hereby directed to work in synergy with sister security agencies in Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and other states hosting the by-elections,” the statement read in part.

The Commandant-General urged voters to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise their franchise.