The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 10,000 operatives to ensure adequate security during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.
Prof. Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Corps, ordered the deployment, which comprises tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
The move, according to NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, is part of attempts to support the Nigeria Police Force, which is in charge of election security.
Babawale told the press on Thursday that the deployment was intended to maintain peace and ensure a genuine voting process.
“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, has deployed over 10,000 operatives, including tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters, to enhance security at the governorship election in Anambra State,” he said.
He stated that the Commandant General had written to State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, advising politicians and their followers against any actions or words that could incite violence before, during, or after the election.
He explained that the deployment was consistent with the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security’s directives.
The statement stated that the corps, among other security services, will monitor the election process and protect electoral materials and officials on duty.
Officers, he noted, have been told to carry out their responsibilities properly while respecting residents’ basic human rights.
“All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed with immediate effect and man the various identified flash points.
“Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrol, while operatives deployed to various polling units and collation centers are to adhere strictly to the posting order.
“Based on the resolution of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, the NSCDC, alongside other security agencies on election duty, will monitor the election process and provide adequate security for election materials and electoral officials on duty.
“The officers have been directed to be professional while discharging their duties with respect for fundamental human rights of citizens,” the PRO stated.
According to him, the 10,250 operatives were recruited from the NSCDC National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, as well as state commands in Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.
Babawale informed Anambra State citizens that the corps is fully equipped to conduct a peaceful and trouble-free election.
In a similar incident, the Nigeria Police Force has announced intentions to deploy 45,000 personnel around Anambra State for the election.
The Force also stated that no vigilante groups will be permitted to operate during the exercise.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
