Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a “massive” number of its officers to complement the efforts of other security agencies in maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.
Emmanuel Oke, Spokesman of the NSCDC, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, noting that the officers were deployed from Osun, Oyo, Kogi, Edo, Ondo and Kwara states and will be stationed at black spots to ensure public safety.
Although he did not specify the number of the officers deployed, he said the NSCDC Commandant General, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, also ordered the deployment of mobile surveillance vehicles and sniffer dogs for the governorship poll.
“This is for the purpose of deterring criminally-minded persons that always take advantage of occasions like this to foment trouble in order to carry out their nefarious activities,” he said.
He added that the commandant also approved the deployment of surveillance/Intelligence unit, SWAT, Medical and Disaster Rapid Respond Team, CBRN Unit, Special Forces and other specialised units for the purpose of beefing up security in and around the state.
He explained that the personnel would be led by Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Hillary Madu Kelechi, and urged them to work effectively with personnel of sister agencies deployed for the same purposes. He also charged them to be diplomatic in their approach.
Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 15,000 personnel and 60 vehicles to man strategic routes during the exercise.
Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said while Ibadan–Akure expressway would be opened for free vehicular movement, vehicles would not be allowed to drive off the highway into Osun State, as all connecting roads would be blocked.
All roads leading to the state through Iwo, Ila, Orangun, Erin-Ile and others will be temporarily closed from 7am to 4pm on the day of election.
