By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced plans to deploy 10,250 personnel across Anambra State ahead of the upcoming governorship election, in what officials describe as one of the agency’s largest security operations in recent years.
According to the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the deployment aims to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and violence-free poll. Officers will be stationed at strategic points including polling units, collation centres, transport hubs, and flashpoint communities across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Dr Audi emphasised that the Corps will work in close collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure seamless coordination and rapid response to any security threats.
He also warned political actors, thugs, and vote-buyers against disrupting the process, stating that anyone caught violating electoral laws would be dealt with decisively.
The move comes amid growing concerns over pre-election tensions and sporadic violence in parts of the South-East. The NSCDC said it would deploy specialised units including armed tactical squads, anti-vandal teams, intelligence officers, and counter-terrorism operatives to sensitive areas.
Observers say the deployment underscores the government’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent a repeat of the violence that has marred past elections.
“The Corps is fully prepared to protect lives, electoral materials, and national infrastructure. We will ensure the will of the people prevails,” Dr Audi assured.
The Anambra governorship election, viewed as a key test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience, is expected to draw significant national and international attention.
