The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,000 officers and men to provide security coverage for the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.

According to the Corps, the personnel were drawn from the national headquarters and commands in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kogi, Kwara, Edo and the FCT to support the Ekiti State Command. The deployment is aimed at securing polling units, collation centers, and identified flashpoints across the state’s 16 local government areas.

Commandant General Ahmed Audi directed the officers to remain professional, apolitical and neutral while carrying out their duties. He stressed that they must follow the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedure and the Electoral Act to avoid compromise during the exercise.

Officials said the team includes specialized units such as the Arms Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Female Squad, Chemical, Biological Radiological and Explosives Unit, and Rapid Response Squad. Two personnel are expected to be stationed at each polling unit, with additional operatives assigned to collation centers and other critical locations.

The NSCDC is working in synergy with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to ensure the safety of voters, INEC officials and election materials before, during and after the poll.

Sources: Vanguard, Punch.