The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 500 operatives from Edo to Osun to support security operations for the August 15 governorship election.

The command’s spokesman, Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin.

Mr Ogbebor said the deployment was part of NSCDC’s inter-command operational support for the election. According to him, the deployment is aimed at strengthening security coverage and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process.

”The deployment is also aimed at protecting lives and property, safeguarding electoral materials and critical infrastructure, and supporting other security agencies in maintaining law and order before, during and after the election,” he said.

Mr Ogbebor disclosed that the officers were drawn from various formations and units of the command. He added that they had been carefully selected and operationally prepared for the assignment.

Mr Ogbebor said the deployed personnel would also participate in ”Show of Force” exercises at strategic locations across Osun.

Mr Ogbebor explained that the exercises were aimed at demonstrating security preparedness, deterring criminal elements and reassuring residents of the presence and readiness of security agencies.

He restated that the Edo command remained committed to supporting the corps’ mandate to safeguard lives and property.

The commandant, Saidi Akintayo, charged the personnel to approach the assignment with “the highest level of professionalism, discipline, dedication, neutrality and patriotism”.

Mr Akintayo urged the personnel to remain focused, vigilant, responsive and diligent throughout the assignment. He stressed that their conduct must reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of NSCDC personnel.

He restated that political neutrality, strict compliance with operational directives and rules of engagement, respect for fundamental human rights, and effective inter-agency collaboration were essential to electoral security duties.

The commandant warned the personnel against partisan political activities, intimidation, harassment, abuse of power, misconduct or any action capable of compromising the corps’ neutrality and credibility.

”Your conduct must at all times reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of personnel of the corps,” he said.

Mr Akintayo further directed the deployed personnel to maintain effective communication with other security agencies. He also directed them to respond promptly and professionally to emerging security situations within their respective areas of responsibility.

Mr Akintayo assured the people of Osun that the NSCDC, working in synergy with other security agencies, remained committed to the electoral security framework. He said the corps remained committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.

The commandant called on political parties, candidates, supporters, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to cooperate with security agents. He urged them to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibilities responsibly.

He also advised them to refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, security and integrity of the election.