August 10, 2026 | 9:40AM
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 10,000 officers from 10 states to strengthen security ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The deployment, ordered by the Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, commenced on Monday as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
According to a statement by the Corps’ spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the officers were drawn from Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the FCT, with 1,000 personnel from each command. The team includes both uniformed and undercover operatives.
“The Commandant-General has directed the deployment of 10,000 personnel, alongside specialised tactical and operational units, to reinforce security across Osun State,” the statement read.
The corps said the additional deployment will complement its existing personnel in Osun to provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the 30 local government areas.
Audi also approved the deployment of special units including the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics, Specialized Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit. These units will handle intelligence gathering, protection of critical infrastructure, crowd control and other election duties.
To ensure effective supervision, the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, along with Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun to coordinate operations.
The CG urged personnel to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights.
“As an agency responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, the safety of election materials and officials is critical. You must work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” Audi said.
He warned political thugs and trouble makers to stay away, saying “the NSCDC, in collaboration with other agencies, will not tolerate any act aimed at disrupting the election. Culprits will face the full wrath of the law as stipulated in the Electoral Act.”
The corps called on political parties, candidates and residents to conduct themselves peacefully. It added that it would work with the Police, military and other agencies under the inter-agency security framework.
The deployment comes ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The Nigeria Police Force had earlier announced the deployment of 15,000 personnel to Osun.
