Osun 2026: NSCDC Deploys 10,210 Personnel, Tactical Units for Governorship Election

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units to Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, in a major security reinforcement aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.

The deployment, which commenced on Monday, August 10, is part of the Corps’ comprehensive security arrangements for the August 15 election. The personnel are expected to strengthen the existing security architecture across the state before, during and after voting.

According to the NSCDC, personnel have been mobilised from Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory commands. Approximately 1,000 personnel are being drawn from each of the contributing commands to support the operation in Osun.

The Corps said both uniformed and undercover personnel would participate in the deployment. Their responsibilities will include protecting voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and other stakeholders, while also helping to prevent intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The security operation will also feature several specialised formations of the NSCDC. These include the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.

The specialised units are expected to provide additional capabilities in intelligence gathering, rapid response, surveillance, crowd management and the detection of potential threats. Their deployment is designed to complement conventional security personnel positioned across the state.

The NSCDC has also deployed senior officers to supervise the operation. Deputy Commandant-General Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, is expected to relocate to Osun State to provide direct oversight and ensure effective coordination of the security arrangements.

Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, assured residents that the Corps would maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the electoral process. He also emphasised the need for personnel to respect the rights of citizens while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

The deployment comes as political parties and candidates intensify their final preparations for the keenly watched Osun governorship election. With security regarded as a critical component of the electoral process, authorities have continued to stress the importance of preventing violence and ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without fear.

The NSCDC urged residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral period. The Corps said its priority would remain the protection of lives and property and the creation of an environment in which eligible voters can freely participate in the democratic process.