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NSCDC deploys 10,000 personnel across Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with the Commandant-General personally leading the nationwide election security operation.
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State Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo issues a stern warning against partisanship, human rights abuses and misconduct, declaring that any officer who compromises the Corps’ neutrality will face consequences.
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Security personnel directed to secure voters, electoral officials, critical infrastructure and sensitive facilities, while working in synergy with the police and other agencies to prevent violence and electoral disruption.
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Massive security build-up comes amid heightened political tension, with residents urged to vote without fear, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious movements before, during and after the poll.
August 10, (THEWILL) — In a major security build-up ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel across Osun State, declaring its readiness to protect voters, electoral officials, critical infrastructure and public facilities before, during and after the poll.
The deployment, one of the largest by the Corps for an off-cycle governorship election, comes amid heightened political tension, allegations of intimidation among rival political parties and repeated calls by civil society groups for security agencies to remain neutral as voters prepare to elect the state’s next governor on August 15.
The Osun State Commandant of the Corps, Igbalawole Sotiyo, announced the deployment during a strategic security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, who said the deployment was approved by the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, who will personally supervise the nationwide election security operation in Osun.
Addressing commanders, Sotiyo charged all officers to maintain strict political neutrality throughout the election period, warning that the credibility of the Corps depended on the professionalism and discipline displayed by its personnel.
He cautioned officers against engaging in partisan activities or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
“I urge you not to put the name of the Corps into disrepute. Be apolitical, maintain neutrality and respect fundamental human rights. Discharge your duties strictly in line with the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures and other extant laws guiding election security operations”, he said.
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According to him, every officer deployed must understand that the constitutional responsibility of the Corps is to protect lives, property and critical national assets—not political interests.
Sotiyo stressed that the Corps would not tolerate actions capable of compromising the integrity of the governorship election. He directed Area Commanders to ensure officers under their supervision remained disciplined, professional and fully responsive to emerging security situations throughout the electoral process.
The commandant reminded personnel that their conduct before, during and after the election would shape public perception of the NSCDC and could either strengthen or weaken confidence in the democratic process.
He further urged officers to treat voters, election officials and members of the public with civility, restraint and professionalism while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Corps Vows Safe Environment for Voters
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to peaceful elections, Sotiyo said the NSCDC would collaborate closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other security agencies to ensure comprehensive security coverage across the state.
He noted that security agencies had a duty to create an atmosphere where eligible voters could freely exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or harassment.
According to him, protecting electoral materials, sensitive public infrastructure and government installations would also remain a major priority throughout the election.
The commandant appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security personnel and promptly report suspicious movements or activities through appropriate channels.
He assured the public that the Corps would remain vigilant throughout the election period and would respond swiftly to any threat capable of disrupting the exercise.
Election Security Intensifies Ahead Of August 15 Poll
The deployment adds to an expanding security architecture already announced for the August 15 governorship election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had earlier announced the deployment of thousands of police officers across more than 3,000 polling units in the state, while other security agencies have also intensified preparations to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
The governorship election will feature 14 political parties, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking re-election against major challengers, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salam.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
