The Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Abubakar Audi, has promised that the corps would decisively deal with anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The NSCDC boss gave the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to the state to assess security preparedness and strengthen coordination ahead of the election.
“We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” the statement by the agency’s spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, quoted him as saying.
Audi visited with Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, as well as officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission and the corps’ state command.
During the discussion with Adeleke, the governor commended the CG for personally conducting the operational visit and praised the corps for protecting important national assets and infrastructure in the state.
Adeleke, on the other hand, raised alarm over recent security threats reportedly made by political factions in an attempt to intimidate voters.
The governor encouraged the NSCDC to deploy enough personnel to neutralise security threats and arrest anyone preparing violence or attempting to disrupt the poll.
Audi then went to the INEC State Headquarters, where he met with the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The CG emphasised the corps’ responsibility for protecting vital national assets, including electoral materials and facilities, and informed INEC that the corps will provide full operational support, while warning against damage and interference with the election.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” Audi said.
Babalola thanked the CG for his visit and praised the collaboration between the electoral commission and the corps, saying his presence demonstrated leadership and dedication to the electoral mission.
Audi addressed personnel deployed for the election at the corps’ state command headquarters, instructing them to remain professional and strictly adhere to the rule of law.
He cautioned officers against being trigger-happy and instructed them to follow the established rules of engagement.
The CG also directed personnel to work closely with sister security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the primary agency in election security operations.
The NSCDC stated that it remains committed to protecting the democratic process and providing a safe environment for law-abiding citizens to exercise their franchise.
