The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed more than 10,000 operatives to provide security during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, approved the deployment, which includes tactical units drawn from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja and zonal commands across the South-East and South-South regions.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the deployment is part of the Corps’ support to the Nigeria Police Force, which serves as the lead agency for election security.
“The Commandant General has deployed over 10,000 operatives, including tactical forces, to enhance security during the governorship election in Anambra State,” Babawale told newsmen on Thursday.
He said Prof. Audi had also addressed State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Units, warning political actors and their supporters against inciting violence before, during, or after the polls.
The deployment, Babawale explained, aligns with the resolutions of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, which coordinates security planning for elections nationwide.
“All intelligence and undercover officers have been directed to move immediately to identified flashpoints, while tactical teams will conduct 24-hour patrols across the state,” he said.
He added that NSCDC personnel would work with other security agencies to safeguard electoral materials, officials, and polling centres, ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise. Officers, he emphasized, have been instructed to operate professionally and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.
The spokesperson disclosed that the 10,250 personnel were mobilized from the National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and state commands in Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force also announced plans to deploy about 45,000 officers across Anambra State for the election. The Force added that vigilante groups would not be permitted to operate during the exercise.
Earlier this week, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, commended security agencies for their coordination and commitment to ensuring a peaceful election.
INEC disclosed that about 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the poll, with 11 out of 13 pre-election activities already completed. Political campaigns will conclude on November 6, two days before the election.