The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has announced the deployment of over 10,000 personnel to provide security coverage during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, approved the deployment, which includes tactical units drawn from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja and several state commands across the South-East and South-South regions.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the move is part of coordinated efforts to complement the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead agency for election security.
Babawale on Thursday said that the deployment aimed to ensure peace, safety, and the credibility of the electoral process before, during, and after the polls.
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“The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, has deployed over 10,000 operatives, including tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters, to enhance security at the Anambra governorship election,” Babawale stated.
He disclosed that Prof. Audi had addressed State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, warning politicians and supporters to refrain from making inflammatory statements or engaging in acts capable of inciting violence.
The spokesperson added that the deployment aligns with the resolutions of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, which coordinates the security architecture for elections nationwide.
“All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed immediately to their designated flash points,” Babawale said.
“Tactical forces are to commence round-the-clock patrols, while operatives at polling units and collation centres must adhere strictly to posting orders.”
He further explained that the Corps would work alongside other security agencies to safeguard electoral materials, protect officials on duty, and maintain order throughout the election period.
“The officers have been directed to be professional while discharging their duties with respect for the fundamental human rights of citizens,” Babawale added.
According to him, the 10,250 operatives were drawn from the NSCDC National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and state commands in Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.
Babawale assured residents of Anambra State that the NSCDC was fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and credible election across all 21 local government areas of the state.
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force also announced the deployment of 45,000 officers for the election, adding that local vigilante groups would not be permitted to operate during the exercise.
Earlier in the week, during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, commended security agencies for their cooperation and strategic planning.
He noted that coordinated patrols and adequate security deployments would guarantee a safe environment for the 2.8 million registered voters expected to participate in the election.
INEC confirmed that 11 out of 13 scheduled pre-election activities had been completed, with political campaigns expected to end on November 6 ahead of the November 8 governorship poll.
