Odita Sunday 
Ekiti Poll: NSCDC Deploys 10,000 Personnel, Tactical Squads, K9 Units to Forestall Violence
By Odita Sunday
With security concerns and electoral integrity taking centre stage ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 10,000 personnel, elite tactical teams, and K9 units across the state to ensure a peaceful and violence-free exercise.
The Corps said the large-scale security operation forms part of its statutory responsibility to guarantee a credible electoral process and protect voters, election officials, and critical election infrastructure.
According to the NSCDC, the deployment cuts across multiple state commands including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun, and Kogi, with additional operational support drawn from Zone 11 and Zone 6 to provide full security coverage.
In a further show of force, the Commandant General ordered the immediate deployment of specialised operational units considered critical to election security. These include the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, the Specialized Female Squad, the Mining Marshals, the Special Force and Crack Squad, as well as the K9 Unit.
To oversee the operation, the Commandant General designated the Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, DCG Ayuba Phillips, to represent him and coordinate the election security architecture on ground in Ekiti State.
Declaring the Corps’ readiness, the Commandant General said the objective of the deployment was clear and uncompromising.
“Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official, and citizen. We will tolerate no form of electoral violence, thuggery, or disruption. Our specialized squads and tactical forces are fully briefed and strategically positioned to maintain absolute law and order,” he stated.
The Corps added that it is working in close collaboration with other security agencies to sustain comprehensive coverage before, during, and after the election.
NSCDC further disclosed that all officers deployed have been directed to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and civility in strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
The agency also urged residents of Ekiti State to participate peacefully in the electoral process and report suspicious activities to security personnel.
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