By Stanley Onyekwere
To enhance security coverage and protection of critical national assets throughout the conduct of 2023 general elections, the FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed a total of 3,000 combatant personnel to strategic places across Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
Amongst the deployed are personnel from Armed squad, Antivandal unit, Disaster Management and Medical unit, Intelligence unit, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives Unit (CBRNE).
It was gathered these officers are to manned strategic places like the INEC offices, polling units and collation centres amongst others; providing security for INEC materials, INEC Ad hoc Staff and the environment.
Also, they are to provide adequate protection of National Assets, Infrastructures, buildings and Government installations against vandalism.
The FCT Commandant of the Corps Dr Peter Maigari, said the deployment was in conformation to the affirmations and directives of the NSCDC Commandant General, to create a secured environment for the successful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
Maigari, in a statement signed by FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Okomanyi Comfort, avowed the Corps readiness for the election, adding that diligence, professionalism and being apolitical is the standard.
He stated that the officers and men of the corps have undergone several training on the election operational guidelines as provided by the electoral Act and the NSCDC Standard Operational Procedures (SOP).
He noted that the NSCDC Special Forces, in joint operation with other sister agencies, will also be on standby in case of emergency.
Maigari therefore called on stakeholders and the general public to do their part in ensuring a free, fair, safe, peaceful and credible election.
He equally charged everyone to shun violence or any action with the potential of disrupting any of the electoral process, as anyone caught causing mayhem will be made to face the wrath of the law.
