The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,850 personnel to protect lives and election materials during Saturday’s by-elections set to be conducted in 16 constituencies across 12 states.
NSCDC Public Relations Officer Babatunde Afolabi, in a statement issued Friday said the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, directed the deployment to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Audi said the personnel would work in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency in election security, to safeguard election officials, voters, and materials.
The statement charged state commandants to maintain professionalism, respect citizens’ fundamental rights, and ensure peaceful conduct at polling units.
“You are hereby directed to work in synergy with relevant sister security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and all states where the by-election would be held,” the statement partly reads.
The Commandant-General urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise their franchise.
