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Nigeria’s Security Agencies Gear Up for Peaceful Local Government Elections

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State has deployed over 3,000 personnel to ensure a peaceful conduct of the local government elections on September 21, 2024. The personnel, drawn from the State Command, Area Commands, and Divisional Offices, will be stationed at various polling units across the 16 local government areas of the state.

According to Dr. Umar Mohammed, the Commandant of the NSCDC in Kwara State, the primary responsibility of the deployed officers is to create an environment where the local government election can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot snatching, and any other disruptive actions. Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the NSCDC will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism, and any action aimed at disrupting the electoral process will be met with immediate and decisive action.

To enhance security, special forces such as Operation Harmony, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad will be patrolling the state. Additionally, officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department will be deployed to monitor and protect government assets, ensuring they are not targeted by vandals during the election.

Dr. Mohammed appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate fully with security agencies and avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the elections. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful and credible electoral process, and urged all stakeholders to play their roles in ensuring the success of the elections.

The deployment of over 3,000 personnel by the NSCDC is a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process in Kwara State. The agency’s commitment to protecting the electoral process and ensuring the safety of voters is crucial in maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.