The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has taken steps to beef up security in Edo State, ahead of the Governorship Election, Edum News 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.
Audi noted that necessary measures and steps will be taken to ensure that peace is maintained before, during and after the election.
He disclosed that 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 STe Police Command already on the ground for the election.
The Commandant General also stated that Rivers and Bayelsa State Commands will draft in 400 and 350 personnel respectively.
He noted that the security of election materials, both sensitive and otherwise, has become very vital for the operatives before, during and after the election.
His words, “Our deployment for the Edo Governorship Election will cover all nooks and crannies, including flash points. 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 a 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 few days to the election to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and provide up-to-date intelligence report and real-time security situation from all the 18 local governments in Edo State.”
He also urged the personnel to remain apolitical, 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.
Written by Hope James
