NSCDC Mobilizes 3,000 Personnel For Kwara LG Elections; Security Chiefs Hold Meeting

NSCDC Mobilizes 3,000 Personnel For Kwara LG Elections; Security Chiefs Hold Meeting

Heads of security agencies in Kwara State have engaged in strategic meetings to ensure peaceful local government council elections on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, stated that arrangements have been made for a hitch-free local government election, scheduled for Saturday, 21 September 2024, in the state.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on Thursday, noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, had assured the public of maximum security ahead of the local government elections.

The PPRO said: “In a bid to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, the command has made thorough security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful, free, and fair process across all polling units in the state.

“A strategic meeting was held yesterday with the heads of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, Customs and Immigration Services, NCoS, NDLEA, and the Federal Fire Service to discuss coordinated efforts to maintain law and order before, during, and after the election. This collaboration underscores the commitment of all security agencies to safeguard the process and ensure that the election is free from violence or intimidation of any form.

“Residents are encouraged to exercise their civic duty with confidence, knowing that their safety is the top priority. The combined forces of these agencies will be deployed across the state to ensure that lives and property are protected throughout the election period.

“We appeal to the good people of Kwara to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate fully with security personnel on duty. The Kwara State Command will continue to work tirelessly with sister agencies to guarantee a secure environment for all, and we trust that the election will be a success,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Umar J.G. Mohammed, has ordered the deployment of over 3,000 personnel across the 16 local government areas of the state ahead of the weekend’s council elections.

According to a statement by ASC Ayoola Michael, Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, the state Commandant disclosed that the personnel were drawn from the state Command, Area Commands, and Divisional Offices in all 16 LGAs. He added that the deployed officers would man various polling units and synchronise efforts with other sister security agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Our primary responsibility is to create an environment where the local government election can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot snatching, and any other disruptive actions,” he stated.

He emphasised that the NSCDC would not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism. Any actions aimed at disrupting the electoral process will be met with immediate and decisive action.

“Commandant Umar affirmed that the personnel have been thoroughly briefed and will collaborate with other sister security agencies at the polling units. Special forces, such as Operation Harmony, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad, will be patrolling the state to enhance security.”

“In addition, officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department will be deployed to monitor and protect government assets, ensuring they are not targeted by vandals during the election.”

He said that the Commandant had appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate fully with security agencies and avoid any actions that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.