The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed that plans have been concluded to deploy about 2,800 personnel for the state local government councils poll on Saturday.
He added that the move was aimed at ensuring the protection of lives and property of residents before, during, and after the council poll.
The NSCDC Oyo State Commandant, Iskilu Akinsanya, who stated that the officers’ deployment was to uphold the law and ensure free and fair exercise, urged the electorate to participate in the poll without fear, saying the corps was fully prepared to ensure the protection of the lives and property of residents.
Akinsanya made the disclosure on Wednesday in Ibadan during a meeting with Divisional Officers across the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of the state.
“All officers and men of the corps will be on duty on the election day as undercover officers. The Agro Ranger and Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the corps will be deployed to all-flash spots in the state,’’ he said.
He advised NSCDC personnel that would be deployed to the 3,886 wards and 4,783 polling units across the state to abide by the guidelines of the State Independent Electoral Commission and be good ambassadors.
He also enjoined traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious leaders to caution their subjects against conducting themselves in a manner that would lead to violence in their vicinity.
Akinsanya said that the command and other security agencies were ready to deal decisively with individuals attempting to breach the peace in the state during and after the poll.
He enjoined the electorate to observe COVID-19 protocols and to conduct themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner during and after the election.
