The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up security preparations for the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election, ordering the deployment of 10,210 personnel and specialised tactical units across the state.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, directed the deployment as part of measures to strengthen security before, during and after the election.
According to a statement issued via Official Facebook Handle of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Monday, August 10, 2026, by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, ANIPR, 10,000 personnel will be drawn from 10 State Commands to reinforce the Osun State Command.
About 1,000 personnel each will come from the NSCDC Commands in Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Kogi, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory.
The reinforcement will comprise both uniformed and undercover personnel who will work alongside other security agencies assigned to election duties. Their deployment is intended to expand security coverage and help protect voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and residents throughout the electoral period.
Audi has also ordered the deployment of specialised formations to complement the regular personnel. They include the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad (SIS), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, Specialised Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Strike Force, Crack Squad and K9 Unit.
According to the NSCDC, the specialised teams will focus on intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, protection of critical assets, crowd control and other responsibilities within their areas of expertise.
The Corps is also putting a senior command structure in place to coordinate the operation. The Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Operations, DCG Ayuba Phillip, alongside designated Assistant Commandants-General and other senior officers, will relocate to Osun to supervise the election security arrangements.
Audi assured residents of the state that NSCDC personnel would remain professional, impartial and respectful of citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.
The Commandant-General stressed that protecting election materials and electoral officials, as well as ensuring the safety of voters, would remain among the Corps’ key responsibilities during the poll.
He further directed personnel to work in cooperation with other security agencies to support a free, fair and credible election.
Audi also issued a warning to political thugs and other individuals who may attempt to disrupt the election, saying security agencies would not tolerate actions capable of jeopardising the electoral process.
According to him, anyone who attempts to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election will face the law in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The NSCDC appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation.
The Corps said it would work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other sister security agencies under the established inter-agency security framework.
The coordinated operation will cover all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, with security personnel expected to remain vigilant around polling locations, election materials, critical infrastructure and other sensitive areas.
The NSCDC also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant during the election period. Members of the public were encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
With the August 15 election approaching, the extensive deployment represents one of the major security measures being put in place ahead of the poll, as authorities seek to provide an environment where voters can freely exercise their franchise.
The Corps said its priority remains the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of a peaceful electoral environment across Osun State.
