Osun Guber: NSCDC deploys 10,000 personnel, urges neutrality

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command, has disclosed that a total of 10,000 personnel have been deployed for Saturday’s governorship election.

The command also directed its personnel deployed for the election to remain apolitical, neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.

The Osun State NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, gave the directive during a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders at the State Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Sunday.

Sotiyo in a statement by the command spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde, disclosed that the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would lead the NSCDC personnel deployed for the election.

The Osun NSCDC commandant stressed that the conduct of personnel would have a direct bearing on public confidence in the Corps and the credibility of the security operation.

“I urge you not to put the name of the Corps into disrepute. Be apolitical, maintain neutrality and respect fundamental human rights,” Sotiyo said.

He directed personnel to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures and other extant laws guiding election security operations.

Sotiyo instructed area commanders to ensure that personnel under their supervision remained disciplined, professional and responsive to the security needs of residents throughout the election period.

He described the NSCDC as “a professional and non-partisan security agency responsible for protecting lives and property, critical national assets and infrastructure, while supporting the maintenance of peace and public order”.

The commandant urged personnel to treat voters with civility and respect, noting that the governorship election was a constitutional exercise and that security agencies were expected to provide a safe environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

He assured residents that the NSCDC would work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to support a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process, while directing commanders to maintain effective communication and ensure proper briefing of personnel.

Sotiyo also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities or security threats through appropriate channels, assuring residents that the command would remain vigilant before, during and after the election.