Ondo Gubernatorial Poll: NSCDC deploys 6000 officers

In order to guarantee sufficient security throughout the state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced the deployment of 6,000 policemen ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State. 

This was revealed by NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Audi in a news release issued on Sunday and signed by Corps spokesperson Babawale Afolabi. Audi emphasised that the Corps is prepared to offer complete protection prior to, during, and following the election. 

He clarified that Ondo State and its bordering states—Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta—would supply the personnel.

“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during, and after the November 16 Ondo governorship election.

“CG Audi said the NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the Corps would deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, among others,” the statement read in part.

The officers' duties will include securing vital infrastructure and national assets, protecting officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and making sure election materials are distributed safely. 

All 18 LGAs, 203 wards, and 3,933 voting places—including those along the state's coast—will be covered by the deployment. 

Specialised units including the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, the Special Female Squad, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Agro Rangers will be part of the security setup. 

Along with the Intelligence and Investigation Department, the operation will also involve K-9, Marine, and Election Monitoring units.

Source