The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,850 personnel to protect lives and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure during Saturday’s by-elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct by-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 states on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babatunde Afolabi, said the deployment was approved by the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
Audi assured the public of the corps’ readiness to secure election materials, protect officials, and monitor the process in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency for election operations.
He also charged the 12 state commandants to maintain professionalism, respect citizens’ fundamental human rights, and ensure the polls are conducted peacefully.
“You are hereby directed to work in synergy with relevant sister security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger and all states where the by-election would be held,” Audi said.