THE Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, today, gave his officers the responsibility of guarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s offices and facilities across Nigeria in order to stop further attacks.
Audi gave the warning at a two-day capacity building for all State Commandants and the Management of the NSCDC in preparation for the 2023 general elections in Abuja.
Also Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, recently assured attendees at the Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) that despite the election’s threat, the Nigerian government is making security a high priority.
Concerns also has recently been raised by foreign diplomats regarding the effective conduct of the elections in 2023 due to security issues brought on by violence at political rallies and campaigns of some parties, as well as hate speech.
The head of the NSCDC noted that in order to avoid interference with the upcoming election, INEC facilities are crucial infrastructures that need to be tightly protected by the Corps.
He said “However, despite the recorded incidences, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has vested in and will continuously provide an enabling environment to officers and men in order for the optimal discharge of Corps’ mandates in this regard, most especially in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructures and other emanating security disturbances that arises from the election cycle phases.
“The Corps is foremost for promoting effective Interagency collaboration, cooperation and coordination. As such, the Corps is also prepared to give support to the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders in achieving an effective electoral security management objective within the elections timeline.
“But make sure INEC offices are safe and secured. We must protect INEC offices because they are critical infrastructures. You are directed to give very scientific protection to INEC; both physical and otherwise because we will not take for granted any further attacks. You must do your best to provide security.”
The CG also expressed concern about the high level of insecurity in the South East explaining that the security agency has a special strategy to tackle the menace in the zone.
He said “The South East is a particular issue but we have a strategy in place.
“There are certain security strategies that we can’t disclose but we are working on it.”
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