Group commends NSCDC, says officers were professional during elections

A group known as National Democratic Coalition (NDC) says the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) acted professionally during the 2023 elections.

In a statement released on Sunday, Israel Abounu, the group’s national president, said NSCDC officers were professional, patriotic, and non-partisan while discharging their duties.

Abounu said the corps deployed for elections were properly trained in regimentation, crowd control, arms-bearing, and election management techniques.

“The CG engaged officers from the special forces, such as arms squad unit, counter-terrorism, chemical, biological radiological and explosives unit (CBRNE), female squad, Rapid Response Squad (RRR), K9 and SWAT unit, different from the regular conventional personnel,” the statement reads.

“Others were trained as undercover personnel and worked effectively with other security agencies to maintain surveillance and provide intelligence reports.

“On top of that, state commandants, deputy controllers general, zonal commanders, and other senior officers of the corps all liaised with the CG to monitor field operations and supervise the exercise nationwide.

“There was also no incidence of vandalism of public assets by thugs and other miscreants — a regular component in elections of years past”.

The group said the commandant-general also deployed a monitoring team, including the anti-vandalism squad and special forces to all critical national assets and infrastructure, including flashpoints across the states to protect them against vandalism, damage, or arson by criminal elements.