The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, has deployed 500 personnel to Osun State to support security operations for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin.
Ogbebor explained that the deployment forms part of the corps’ inter-command operational support for the election. The move is aimed at strengthening security coverage and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible electoral process.
According to him, the personnel will help protect lives and property, safeguard electoral materials and critical infrastructure, and support other security agencies in maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election.
He disclosed that the officers were drawn from various formations and units of the Edo Command and had been carefully selected and operationally prepared for the assignment. The deployed personnel will also participate in “Show of Force” exercises at strategic locations across Osun State. These exercises are designed to demonstrate security preparedness, deter criminal elements, and reassure residents of the presence and readiness of security agencies.
Ogbebor emphasised that the Edo Command remains committed to supporting the corps’ mandate to safeguard lives and property.
He quoted the State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, as charging the personnel to approach the assignment with the highest level of professionalism, discipline, dedication, neutrality, and patriotism.
Akintayo urged the officers to remain focused, vigilant, responsive, and diligent throughout the assignment, stressing that their conduct must reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of NSCDC personnel.
The Commandant emphasised that political neutrality, strict compliance with operational directives and rules of engagement, respect for fundamental human rights, and effective inter-agency collaboration were essential to electoral security duties.
He warned the personnel against partisan political activities, intimidation, harassment, abuse of power, misconduct, or any action capable of compromising the corps’ neutrality and credibility.
“Your conduct must at all times reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of personnel of the corps,” Akintayo said.
He further directed the deployed personnel to maintain effective communication with other security agencies and to respond promptly and professionally to emerging security situations within their areas of responsibility.
Akintayo assured the people of Osun that the NSCDC, working in synergy with other security agencies, remains committed to the electoral security framework and to creating a safe and conducive environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
He called on political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel, conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process, and exercise their civic responsibilities responsibly. He also advised them to refrain from any acts capable of undermining the peace, security, and integrity of the election.