ABUJA — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially deployed 10,000 personnel across Ekiti State to provide comprehensive security coverage for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

This massive deployment is part of the Corps' statutory mandate to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the personnel were drawn from several neighboring state commands including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun, and Kogi supported by specialized reinforcements from Zones 11 and 6.

Elite Tactical Reinforcement

To neutralize potential security threats before, during, and after the polls, the Commandant General of the NSCDC has ordered the immediate mobilization of the Corps' elite tactical units. These highly trained squads include:

       •  Special Intelligence Squad (SIS)

       •  Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit

       •  Specialized Female Squad

       •  Mining Marshals

       •  Special Force and Crack Squad

       •  K9 Unit (specialized in detection and crowd control)

Leadership and Operational Strategy

To ensure a cohesive and effective operation, the Commandant General has appointed the Deputy Commandant General (DCG) in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillips, to lead the election security exercise in the state.

"Our mission in Ekiti State is definitive: to protect the integrity of the democratic process and guarantee the safety of every voter, election official, and citizen," the statement noted. The Corps has issued a stern warning against any form of electoral violence, thuggery, or disruption, emphasizing that the deployed forces are strategically positioned to maintain absolute law and order.

The NSCDC is working in close collaboration with other security agencies to provide a unified security framework for the state. Deployed personnel have been strictly instructed to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and civility, operating in full compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Residents of Ekiti State are encouraged to cooperate with security officials and report any suspicious activities to help ensure a peaceful election.