- Umar warned that the NSCDC would not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism.
- Umar appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate fully with security agencies and avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Dr. Umar Mohammed, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State, has deployed a massive force of over 3,000 personnel to ensure the upcoming Saturday council polls are conducted in a secure and orderly manner.
These personnel will be tactically distributed across the state’s 16 local government areas to maintain harmony and stability.
According to Umar, the personnel have been drawn from various levels of command, including state, area, and divisional offices within all 16 council areas.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday, Ayoola Shola, spokesman for the command, revealed that the deployed officers will oversee polling units and collaborate with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful election on September 21, 2024.
“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,” Umar stated.
Umar emphasized that the NSCDC will not condone any form of political violence, thuggery, or hooliganism.
“The personnel have been thoroughly briefed and will collaborate with other sister security agencies at the polling units,” he said.
“Special forces, such as Operation Harmony, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad, will be patrolling the state to enhance security.”
Additionally, Umar noted, “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.”
Umar urged political parties and citizens to fully cooperate with security agencies and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the elections.