Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election on November 16, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 6,000 officers to ensure security throughout the state.

NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, announced this in a statement, stressing the Corps’ commitment to a secure, fair, and credible election.

Officers from Ondo and neighbouring states—including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta—will be deployed, the statement added.

“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of 6,000 officers and men to provide adequate security before, during, and after the November 16 Ondo governorship election.

“CG Audi said the NSCDC is fully ready to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the Corps would deploy personnel from neighbouring states such as Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, among others,” the statement read in part.

The security detail will cover all local government areas, wards, and polling units, including coastal areas. Special units like the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism, Agro Rangers, and K-9 teams will be part of the operation.

Audi stressed cooperation with the Nigeria Police, the lead election security agency, and urged professionalism to prevent political violence.

“The personnel drawn from the host state, neighbouring states, and the National Headquarters include the Special Female Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Agro Rangers Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, CG’s Mining Marshall, Election Monitoring Unit, as well as the Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“There are comprehensive and strategic measures already in place, aimed at forestalling all forms of political violence and thuggery before, during, and after the elections.

“You must work in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which is the lead agency in election security,” the statement added.

He also warned against vandalism and urged parents to prevent their children from being used for violence. Audi assured the public of the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting voters and enforcing the electoral law.