NSCDC Assures Voters of Maximum Security Ahead of Anambra Governorship Election
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured residents of Anambra State of maximum security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, pledging a peaceful and safe environment for voters to exercise their rights.
Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday, issued by the NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.
Audi said the Corps remains fully committed to its constitutional role of protecting lives, critical national assets, and infrastructure during and after the polls, noting that officers have been strategically deployed across the state to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies.
Speaking through the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Philip Ayuba, the NSCDC boss emphasized that personnel detailed for election duty have been thoroughly briefed to conduct themselves with professionalism, neutrality, and respect for human rights.
“Our presence at the polling stations is to protect, not to interfere,” Audi said. “We are there to create an atmosphere where voters feel safe, confident, and free to exercise their civic rights.”
He added that the Corps is working closely with other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure a coordinated security approach before, during, and after the election.
“We have intensified surveillance and intelligence operations, particularly around sensitive locations and public infrastructure,” Audi explained. “We are determined to prevent any form of disruption or violence that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.”
The NSCDC Commandant General also warned political thugs and troublemakers against any attempt to cause unrest, stressing that the Corps will not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute offenders in line with the law.
“The election is not a war,” he said. “We are appealing to all political actors and their supporters to embrace peace and allow the will of the people to prevail.”
The Anambra governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to be keenly contested among major political parties, with security agencies deploying thousands of personnel to safeguard voters, election officials, and materials.
The NSCDC, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other security partners, has been conducting joint operations and simulation exercises in preparation for the poll.
Observers have commended the Corps’ proactive stance, noting that public confidence in the electoral process depends largely on visible, disciplined, and impartial security deployment.
“Security agencies must remain neutral and professional,” said one election observer in Awka. “The NSCDC’s assurance of safety will help boost voter turnout if properly implemented.”
Prof. Audi reaffirmed that the Corps’ priority is to ensure that every Anambra voter can cast their ballot without fear or intimidation, adding that post-election patrols will also be sustained to prevent violence after results are announced.
