The Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abubakar Audi, has warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the August 15 governorship election in Osun State will face decisive action.
Audi issued the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to the state to assess security preparedness and strengthen coordination ahead of the election.
Speaking on the security measures for the poll, Audi said the corps would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
He said: “We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process.”
During the visit, the NSCDC boss met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and personnel of the corps’ state command.
At his meeting with Adeleke, the governor commended Audi for personally undertaking the operational visit and praised the NSCDC for its role in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
Adeleke, however, expressed concern over what he described as recent security threats from political factions allegedly aimed at intimidating voters.
The governor urged the NSCDC to deploy adequate personnel to contain security threats and ensure the arrest of anyone planning violence or seeking to disrupt the election.
Audi also visited the INEC State Headquarters, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The NSCDC boss reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility for protecting critical national assets, including electoral materials and facilities, while assuring INEC of its full operational support.
He also warned against vandalism and interference with the electoral process.
Audi said: “The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with.”
Babalola thanked Audi for the visit and commended the cooperation between INEC and the NSCDC, saying his presence demonstrated leadership and commitment to the electoral assignment.
At the NSCDC state command headquarters, Audi addressed personnel deployed for the election and directed them to maintain professionalism and strictly abide by the rule of law.
He warned officers against being trigger-happy and instructed them to adhere to the established rules of engagement.
The NSCDC boss also directed personnel to maintain close collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency in election security operations.
The corps said it remained committed to safeguarding the democratic process and providing a secure environment for law-abiding citizens to exercise their franchise.
