By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor**

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has directed its personnel to maintain political neutrality, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties during the 2027 general elections, warning against any conduct capable of undermining the nation’s democratic process.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, gave the directive while declaring open a three day workshop for 216 officers and personnel drawn from the 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and 18 zonal commands.Audi stressed that security personnel must place national interest above personal, political or partisan considerations, noting that their conduct before, during and after the elections would be crucial to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.He warned officers against voter intimidation, the abuse of citizens, abandonment of duty posts and compliance with unlawful orders.

He urged participants to respect the law, protect the rights of voters and discharge their responsibilities without fear, favour or political bias.The workshop, organised in collaboration with Alnas Consulting Limited, is themed, “Role of Security Agencies in the Conduct of the General Elections in Nigeria: Legal, Field Conduct, Supervisory and Operational Perspectives.”It is designed to strengthen the capacity of security personnel in election security management, operational coordination, field conduct and the application of relevant legal provisions during electoral operations.

In his welcome address, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Alnas Consulting Limited, Prof. Nasirdeen Usman, described the NSCDC as an important component of Nigeria’s security architecture.

He urged participants to share the knowledge acquired during the training with colleagues in their respective commands to promote professionalism and uniform standards of conduct.The workshop also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, the Controller General of Corrections, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Dr Jake Ekpelle.

The contributions highlighted the importance of cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders in addressing election related security challenges, preventing violence and protecting the electoral process.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the NSCDC has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful elections, strengthening inter agency collaboration and protecting the democratic rights of Nigerians.The Corps’ emphasis on neutrality and lawful conduct underscores the responsibility of security personnel to provide equal protection to all citizens, political parties and candidates while ensuring that electoral activities are conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation and violence.