TheCable

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says 20,000 of its officers have been deployed for the Anambra governorship election.

The election is scheduled to hold on November 6.

Ahmed Audi, commandant-general of the corps, disclosed this on Thursday at a three-day ‘train-the-trainers’ capacity building and electoral workshop held in Abuja.

According to NAN, Audi said the deployed personnel will ensure effective monitoring before, during and after the election.

He said officers from the NSCDC’s arms squad unit, counter-terrorism unit and chemical, biological, radiological and explosive units are among personnel deployed to the state.

According to him, the NSCDC is working with other security outfits to develop strategies to checkmate any act of violence that will sabotage the electoral process.

He explained that a special team would be stationed at major areas to protect lives and properties during the election, adding that security personnel would be deployed from the NSCDC commands in states in the south-south and south-east zones.

“They will also see to the protection of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, INEC officials and all critical assets against vandalism, damage or arsonist attacks,” he said.

“In addition, personnel from Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, and Benue have been placed on standby, in case there is the need for reinforcement.”

He advised the officers to adhere to the ethics of the corps and comply with the law while they carry out their duties.

“Let me warn, and I mean it, that any conduct of an officer of NSCDC that undermines the rule of law will be seriously dealt with by the public service rule,” he added.