The NSCDC has deployed 500 personnel from Edo State to Osun to strengthen security ahead of the August 15 governorship election and protect voters, electoral materials and critical infrastructure.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has deployed 500 personnel to Osun State to support security operations ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The deployment is part of the corps’ inter-command operational support for the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed the deployment in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Benin.
Ogbebor said the deployment was aimed at strengthening security coverage and supporting a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.
According to him, the personnel would protect lives and property, safeguard electoral materials and critical infrastructure, and support other security agencies in maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.
The personnel were drawn from various formations and units of the Edo Command and had been selected and prepared for the assignment, he said.
Ogbebor said the deployed personnel would participate in “Show of Force” exercises at strategic locations across Osun State.
He explained that the exercises were designed to demonstrate security preparedness, deter criminal activities and reassure residents that security agencies were ready to protect the electoral process.
The Edo Commandant of the NSCDC, Saidi Akintayo, charged the personnel to carry out their duties with professionalism, discipline, dedication, neutrality and patriotism.
Akintayo urged them to remain vigilant, responsive and diligent throughout the assignment.
He stressed that their conduct must reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of NSCDC personnel, particularly during an election where public confidence in security agencies is critical.
The commandant directed the deployed personnel to maintain political neutrality and comply strictly with operational directives and rules of engagement.
He also emphasised respect for fundamental human rights and effective collaboration with other security agencies involved in electoral security.
Akintayo warned the personnel against engaging in partisan political activities, intimidation, harassment, abuse of power, misconduct or any action capable of compromising the neutrality and credibility of the corps.
He further directed them to maintain effective communication with other security agencies and respond promptly and professionally to emerging security situations within their respective areas of responsibility.
Akintayo assured residents of Osun State that the NSCDC, working with other security agencies, remained committed to providing a safe environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
He appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to cooperate with security personnel throughout the electoral process.
He urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the peace, security and integrity of the election.
With the poll approaching, INEC has continued preparations for the Osun governorship election, including accreditation of election observers and other stakeholders.
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