Defence
DR Ahmed Audi, Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has directed immediate deployment of personnel to protect Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices nationwide.
Audi gave the directive on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with senior NSCDC officers.
He said that the directive followed intelligence reports of plans by miscreants to attack more INEC facilities.
“A certain group of miscreants and disloyal persons to the nation have decided to launch an attack on our various critical and national infrastructure and their target is INEC facilities,” Audi said.
The CG also alerted the officers and Nigerians of plan by unpatriotic elements disguised in uniforms to attack citizens.
“We have heard from intelligence that there is a dangerous group in town dressed in security uniforms and they have started unleashing mayhem on the citizens,” he added.
The CG, therefore, charged the officers to step up intelligence gathering in order to arrest and curtail the criminals.
He further said that in any state where INEC facilities gets attacked, the Zonal Commander and State Commandant will be held responsible.
“There is no way state actors will surpass the powers of the state, so we must live up to expectations and uphold the confidence that the Federal Government has in us.
“You must work very closely with the Police and other security agencies to protect these INEC offices because it is better to prevent than to do damage control as damage control is usually capital-intensive.
“You must coordinate your states effectively by organising workshops for personnel and submit minute-by-minute reports.”
According to Audi, the Corps has been strategizing towards ensuring hitch-free 2023 General Elections.
He said Corps would provide effective and adequate security to guarantee, free, fair, credible and transparent 2023 general elections.
“The festive season which is full of activities has begun, so there is need for massive deployment of personnel to sensitive areas; worship centres, recreational centres, and other relaxation spots just to provide security and safety to Nigerians.
“The year 2022 has been very challenging due to the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.
“However, despite the daring challenges, the NSCDC will continue to make a mark in the discharge of its core mandate and other national assignments,” Audi assured.(NAN)
A.I
Tags: Dr Ahmed Audi INEC NSCDC
