The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of more than 10,000 officers across Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The move is part of a comprehensive security strategy aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Audi, approved the deployment following a directive that all tactical units from the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja be mobilized to the state. According to the Corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the personnel include operatives from tactical squads, intelligence units, and specialized divisions of the corps.
Babawale explained that the deployment is in line with the resolutions of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which emphasizes the importance of synergy among security agencies during elections. He noted that the corps will work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the lead agency for election security, as well as other paramilitary organizations, to prevent violence and maintain order before, during, and after the polls.
“The Commandant General has mandated all state commandants and heads of tactical units to maintain high professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights throughout the electoral process,” Babawale stated. “All intelligence and undercover operatives have been ordered to monitor identified flashpoints and report potential threats promptly. Tactical teams are already on 24-hour patrol to ensure maximum coverage across the state.”
The NSCDC also issued a stern warning to politicians and their supporters against any inciting statements or violent actions that could jeopardize the peace. The corps reaffirmed its readiness to protect electoral materials, officials, and voters throughout the exercise.
According to the NSCDC, the 10,250 operatives were drawn from Zone 13 in Awka and neighboring commands in Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa States.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed plans to deploy 45,000 officers for the same election, adding that local vigilante groups will not be allowed to operate during the exercise to avoid interference.
During an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee meeting held earlier in Abuja, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, commended the security agencies for their coordination and proactive measures. He emphasized that the success of the Anambra election would depend on cooperation among all stakeholders.
INEC further revealed that approximately 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate, noting that 11 of the 13 scheduled pre-election activities have been completed, including voter education and logistics planning. The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free and fair poll, stating that campaigns will officially close on November 6.
The NSCDC spokesperson assured Anambra residents of the corps’ readiness to ensure a safe and hitch-free election, stressing that all operatives have been briefed on the importance of neutrality and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
