The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has charged personnel to uphold neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the rules of engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also warned officers against voter intimidation, abuse of citizens and obedience to unlawful orders, stressing that their conduct would be crucial to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring peaceful, credible elections.

Audi gave the charge at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja while declaring open a three-day workshop for 216 officers drawn from the 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and 18 zonal commands.

The workshop was organised to prepare personnel for election security duties, with emphasis on protecting electoral materials, election officials and other critical stakeholders.

The NSCDC boss said the Corps would not tolerate laxity in the discharge of election-related responsibilities, adding that officers must be adequately prepared to manage security challenges before, during and after the polls.

He stressed the importance of vigilance and the ability to de-escalate tense situations without resorting to force, while applying necessary force only when lawful and unavoidable.

Audi also urged participants to familiarise themselves with the legal framework governing elections, operational procedures, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

“We must not wait till Election Day to familiarise ourselves with electoral rules. The rules of engagement help officers to protect the process, citizens and defend the democracy that we are currently enjoying,” he said.

The NSCDC boss further emphasised that national interest must remain paramount in the discharge of their duties, warning personnel against abandoning their duty posts or engaging in conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

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.”

In his welcome address, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Alnas Consulting Limited, Prof. Nasirdeen Usman, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and share it with other personnel to strengthen the Corps’ preparedness for election duties.

He described the NSCDC as a critical component of Nigeria’s security architecture, noting the importance of equipping its personnel with the knowledge and skills required to perform their responsibilities effectively.

The event 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 NSCDC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful elections, effective collaboration among security agencies and the protection of Nigerians’ democratic rights as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Photo: NSCDC . Caption:Participants at the workshop