By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Commandant – General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) Dr. Abubakar Audi, has revealed that there is a dangerous group behind attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Audi made the revelation on Wednesday in Abuja, during his last progress review / appraisal conference with zonal and states commandants for the year 2022.
He charged the zonal and states commandants to buckle up and fish out the criminals.
While making the revelations, Dr Audi, also said, “Intelligence gathered revealed that a group of criminals disguise and dress like security operatives to unleash mayhem.”
The NSCDC boss, threatened to hold zonal and state commandants responsible if the attacks persists.
He said, “There’s no way non- state actors who are bent on destroying our nation can surpass the state forces. Yes, it is true that the year 2022 has been very challenging as it is characterised by all manner of security threats , in spite of this, we must be conscious of the fact that the Corps has made a positive mark.
He lamented that the persistent attacks on INEC facilities nationwide is of great concern to the Corps as the spate of attacks on INEC facilities masterminded by some disgruntled elements to frustrate successful conduct of the 2023 election has led to both material and human losses and must be effectively checkmated and addressed to ensure a successful and a hitch free 2023 elections.
Audi pledged that the Corps under his watch will continue tosynergise with the Police and other sister agencies and Stakeholders to safeguard INEC facilities nationwide.
“We have been told that those who attack INEC offices soak bread in either gas or petrol , light it up before throwing it into these buildings. All I am saying is that somebody ought to have seen and stopped them . You have to be proactive and not reactive. Damage control is capital intensive.
Audi , who stressed that the Corps cannot afford to fail the nation at this critical time further reminded his men and officers that by the virtue of the NSCDC Acts, they are the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of government.
He said, the nation is preparing for the 2023 election campaigns, so, you must organise conferences / workshops for officers in your states on the need to observe electoral acts in line with our mandates.
While charging the commandants to work on their intelligence,and coordinate their states and formations effectively , he demanded a minute – by – minutes update of their findings to the national headquarters.
“I want to particularly warn you against molestation, intimidation or harrassment of innocent Nigerians . You are only permitted to provide a level playing ground for all political actors. We must be civil as our name implies. Anyone who decides to be partisan during this political season would have questions to answer.”
