The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State said it has deployed over 3,000 personnel across the 16 locals government areas of the state to man security during the Saturday, September 21 local government elections in the state.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Umar Mohammed disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital on Wednesday.
Umar said that the personnel were drawn from the State Command, Area Commands, and Divisional Offices in all 16 local government area of the state.
He added that the deployed officers will secure various polling units and synchronise efforts with other sister security agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.
“Our primary responsibility is to create an environment where the local government election can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot snatching, and any other disruptive actions,” he stated.
He emphasised that the NSCDC will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism; warning that any action aimed at disrupting the electoral process will be met with immediate and decisive action.
Umar, in the statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Ayoola Michael, added that the personnel have been thoroughly briefed and will collaborate with other sister agencies at the polling units.
“Special forces, such as Operation Harmony, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad, will be patrolling the state to enhance security.
“In addition, officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department will be deployed to monitor and protect government assets, ensuring they are not targeted by vandals during the election,” he said.
He appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate fully with security agencies and avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.