The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has issued a stern warning to political actors and other individuals plotting to disrupt the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, declaring that the Corps will decisively confront any attempt to undermine the electoral process.
Audi gave the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to Osun State, where he assessed the security preparedness of the Corps and held consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the poll.
The Commandant General, who visited the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the NSCDC State Command, said the Corps was determined to ensure that the election was peaceful, free, fair and credible.
“We do not want any bloodshed,” Audi said. “We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process.”
The warning came amid concerns over threats allegedly being made by political elements seeking to intimidate voters and create tension ahead of the election.
During his meeting with Governor Adeleke, the governor commended the NSCDC boss for personally undertaking the operational assessment, describing the visit as a demonstration of commitment to securing the state and protecting the democratic process.
Adeleke expressed concern over emerging security challenges, noting that Osun had historically enjoyed peaceful elections but that recent threats linked to political activities had created fresh concerns.
The governor urged the Commandant General to deploy adequate personnel and resources to neutralise potential threats, prevent violence and ensure that anyone planning to disrupt the election is arrested and prosecuted.
Audi subsequently visited the Osun State headquarters of INEC, where he met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
He assured the electoral commission of the NSCDC’s full operational support, stressing that the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure—including electoral materials and facilities—falls within the Corps’ mandate.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalize assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” he warned.
Babalola thanked the Commandant General for the visit and commended the longstanding partnership between INEC and the NSCDC.
She said Audi’s personal presence in Osun demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the national assignment, assuring him that INEC remained committed to conducting a transparent, free and fair election.
At the NSCDC Osun State Command headquarters, the Commandant General addressed officers deployed for the electoral assignment and issued strict instructions on professionalism, discipline and adherence to the rule of law.
He specifically warned personnel against being trigger-happy and directed them to operate strictly within established rules of engagement.
Audi also ordered officers to maintain close coordination with sister security agencies, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency in election security operations.
He urged personnel to exercise restraint and sound judgment in handling potentially volatile situations, maintain constant communication with their team leaders and carry out their responsibilities with dedication and integrity.
The NSCDC boss said the Corps would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the electoral process and protect citizens, electoral infrastructure and other critical national assets before, during and after the election.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to creating a secure environment in which all law-abiding citizens can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear, intimidation or violence.
The operational visit underscores heightened security preparations by the authorities as Osun State moves towards another crucial electoral contest, with security agencies under increasing pressure to prevent political violence and protect the integrity of the democratic process.
