By Ibrahim Aileru,Osogbo

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke and announced the deployment of 10,210 personnel to ensure a peaceful, credible, and secure electoral process across the state.

Audi disclosed that the massive security deployment comprises 10,000 officers mobilised from 10 neighbouring state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in addition to specialised tactical and operational units strategically positioned to provide comprehensive security coverage before, during, and after the election.

The NSCDC boss said the deployment underscores the Corps’ commitment to supporting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders in delivering a violence-free election where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights.

According to him, the personnel will be deployed to critical locations, including polling units, collation centres, government facilities, and other strategic assets requiring protection throughout the electoral period.

Audi stressed that the Corps would work in close collaboration with sister security agencies to prevent electoral violence, voter intimidation, ballot snatching, vandalism of public infrastructure, and any activities capable of undermining the integrity of the election.

He warned political actors, supporters, and other stakeholders against actions that could threaten public peace, noting that security agencies remain fully prepared to enforce the law and deal decisively with anyone found violating electoral regulations.

The Commandant-General further assured residents of Osun State that the NSCDC had put in place adequate operational measures, intelligence-gathering mechanisms, and rapid response teams to promptly address security concerns that may arise during the election.

Governor Adeleke, while receiving the NSCDC leadership, commended the Corps for its proactive security arrangements and expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to maintain peace throughout the electoral process. He called on residents and political stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly and contribute to the success of a free, fair, and credible governorship election.