NSCDC Deploys 4,000 Personnel For FCT Elections, Warns Against Voter Harassment

The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, has charged personnel to maintain professionalism, neutrality and vigilance ahead and during Area Council elections in the territory of Saturday.

Odumosu gave the directive during a pre-election briefing, where he announced the deployment of 4,000 officers and men across the FCT to ensure a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process.

He admonished operatives to work in close synergy with other security agencies and electoral stakeholders, stressing that inter-agency collaboration remained critical to preventing security breaches before, during and after voting exercise.

According to him, the primary responsibility of the Corps is to safeguard lives, critical infrastructure and electoral materials while ensuring that citizens exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation.

The commandant warned officers against any form of misconduct, including harassment of voters, interference with electoral officials or showing support for any political party or candidate.

“You are not deployed to assist any political interest or electoral team. Your duty is strictly to ensure a free, fair and problem-free election,” he said.

Odumosu further urged personnel to remain alert and professionally manage any situation that may arise, noting that security operatives must act lawfully and with restraint at all times.

He emphasised that arrests, where necessary, must be carried out responsibly and only in situations that threaten public peace or violate electoral laws.

The FCT NSCDC boss also reminded officers that their conduct during the elections would reflect the credibility of the Corps and the overall integrity of the security architecture supporting Nigeria’s democratic process.

He reiterated that maintaining public confidence was essential, adding that voters must feel safe at polling units without fear of intimidation or undue interference.
“Our presence is to guarantee order and confidence, not to create fear,” he stated.

The deployment formed part of coordinated security arrangements put in place by authorities to ensure peaceful elections across the FCT, with security agencies expected to maintain round-the-clock monitoring throughout the exercise.