The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,000 personnel to Osun State to strengthen security ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The deployment, ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, is expected to commence on Monday and complement personnel already stationed in the state.
The corps said the deployment was aimed at ensuring the safety of voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the 30 local government areas of Osun State.
In a statement issued by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Monday, the corps said the additional personnel were drawn from 10 neighbouring and other state commands.
The commands are Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with each command contributing about 1,000 personnel.
The NSCDC said specialised tactical and operational units would also be deployed as part of measures to prevent crime, strengthen intelligence gathering, control crowds and protect critical national assets and election-related facilities.
Audi directed the deployment of the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
The corps said the specialised units would provide additional support for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control and the protection of critical infrastructure and electoral facilities during the election.
The Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, is also expected to relocate to Osun State alongside designated Assistant Commandant-Generals and other senior officers to supervise the NSCDC’s operations.
Audi charged the deployed personnel to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties.
He also directed them to work closely with other security agencies deployed for the election.
“You have the responsibility of ensuring unbiased synergy with other security agencies on election duty to actualise a free, fair and credible election,” Audi said.
The NSCDC commandant-general further warned political thugs and other individuals against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
He said the corps, in collaboration with other security agencies, would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the election.
“The NSCDC in collaboration with other security agencies on election duty will not tolerate any activity intended to jeopardise the election process,” Audi said, adding that offenders would face prosecution under the Electoral Act.
The corps urged political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
It added that it would continue to coordinate with the Nigeria Police Force, military and other security agencies under the existing inter-agency security arrangement.
The deployment comes as security agencies intensify preparations to ensure a peaceful and credible Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
