The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 10,000 personnel to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The deployment, ordered by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, involves personnel from 10 state commands, with about 1,000 officers drawn from each command. The commands include Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory.

The NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, said the deployment would complement personnel already stationed in Osun and provide security for voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents across the state's 30 local government areas.

The corps also deployed specialised units, including the Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit. The units will support intelligence gathering, crime prevention, crowd control and the protection of critical infrastructure and election materials.

The Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillip, along with other senior officers, will relocate to Osun State to coordinate and supervise the election security operations.

NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, urged personnel to remain professional, neutral and respectful of citizens' rights while carrying out their duties.

— PUNCH