as Kwara Police Command assures of maximum security

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has disclosed that it would deploy over 3,000 personnel across the 16 local government areas of the state ahead of the weekend council election.

A statement by the spokesman of Command, ASC 1 Ayoola Michael Shola, said the approval for the deployment was given by the State Commandant, Dr. Umar J. G. Mohammed, adding that the personnel were drawn from the State Command, Area Commands, and Divisional Offices in all the 16 local government areas.

According to him: “The deployed officers will man various polling units and synchronize efforts with other sister security agencies to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Our primary responsibility is to create an environment where the local government election can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot snatching, and any other disruptive actions.”

The statement emphasised that the NSCDC would not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, or hooliganism, saying “any action aimed at disrupting the electoral process will be met with immediate and decisive action.

According to Commandant Umar, “the personnel have been thoroughly briefed and will collaborate with other sister security agencies at the polling units. Special forces, such as Operation Harmony, the Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad, will be patrolling the state to enhance security.”

“In addition, officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department will be deployed to monitor and protect government assets, ensuring they are not targeted by vandals during the election.

“Commandant Umar appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate fully with security angencies and avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.”

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, has also assured residents of maximum security before, during and after the Saturday election.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Police Command, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said: “In a bid to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, the command has made thorough security arrangements to guarantee a peaceful, free, and fair process across all polling units in the state.

“A strategic meeting was held yesterday with Heads of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Navy, The DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, The Custom and Immigration Service, NCoS, The NDLEA and the Federal Fire Service to discuss coordinated efforts to maintain law and order before, during, and after the election. This collaboration underscores the commitment of all security agencies to safeguarding the process and ensuring that the election is free from violence or intimidation of any form.

“Residents are encouraged to exercise their civic duty with confidence, knowing that their safety is top priority. The combined forces of these agencies will be deployed across the state to ensure that lives and property are protected throughout the election period.”