The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State will face decisive action, as security agencies intensify preparations ahead of the poll. It similary warned against vandalism of electoral assets.
The Commandant-General of the corps, Abubakar Audi, issued the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to Osun State to assess security preparedness and strengthen coordination with key stakeholders ahead of the election.
“We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” Mr Audi said, according to a statement by the corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale.
His warning comes amid heightened security concerns ahead of the election, following reports of killings, clashes and threats involving supporters of rival political parties during the campaign period.
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The NSCDC chief said the corps would focus on protecting critical national assets and electoral infrastructure, including facilities and materials belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr Audi, during his visit, met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, officials of INEC and personnel of the NSCDC state command as part of efforts to strengthen security coordination before the election.
At the meeting with Mr Adeleke, the governor commended the Commandant-General for personally visiting the state and urged the corps to deploy adequate personnel to prevent violence and protect voters.
Mr Adeleke expressed concern over what he described as security threats allegedly linked to political factions seeking to intimidate voters ahead of the election.
He urged security agencies to identify and arrest anyone planning to attack voters or disrupt the electoral process.
Osun voters are expected to elect their governor on Saturday, August 15, in a contest involving the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke, and other candidates seeking to govern the state for the next four years.
Vandals warned
Mr Audi later visited the INEC state headquarters in Osogbo, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
He reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility to protect critical national assets and electoral infrastructure, assuring the commission of the NSCDC’s operational support during 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,” he said.
Mrs Babalola thanked the Commandant-General for the visit and commended the cooperation between INEC and the corps ahead of the election.
Mr Audi subsequently addressed NSCDC personnel deployed for the election at the corps’ state command headquarters.
He directed the officers to remain professional, operate within the law and respect the rules of engagement throughout the election.
The Commandant-General specifically warned personnel against being “trigger-happy” and instructed them to exercise restraint while carrying out their duties.
He also directed the officers to maintain close coordination with other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency for election security.
The NSCDC’s CG said his personnel would work with other security agencies to safeguard the electoral process and provide a secure environment for voters to exercise their franchise.