The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 4,000 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory to ensure a hitch-free Area Council election scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, gave this assurance on during a courtesy visit from the National Peace Committee at the Command Headquarters in Wuse Zone 5.
Security Strategy and Personnel Readiness
Commandant Odumosu emphasized that the Corps is fully prepared to protect electorates from harassment, intimidation, or disruption by hoodlums and political thugs. He noted that personnel have undergone specialized training by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to handle election-related matters professionally.
”Our role starts before the election, and we will not stand down until the results are announced without chaos or violence,” Odumosu stated. “I have held series of meetings with Divisional Officers to ensure there is no compromise in our ranks.”
To preempt potential unrest, the Commandant disclosed that covert officers have already been stationed at crisis-prone polling centers to monitor the environment ahead of the polls.
Collaboration and Public Appeal
The NSCDC will be working in synergy with other security agencies to maintain a transparent and peaceful atmosphere. Odumosu urged residents to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise, assuring them of their safety.
Addressing the youth, the Commandant issued a stern warning:
- To Parents: Warn children against being used as tools for political violence.
- To Youth: Avoid financial inducements from “desperate politicians” and abide strictly by election rules.
National Peace Committee Reaction
Asabe Ndahi Esq, Project Manager of the National Peace Committee, commended the Command’s level of preparedness. She explained that the visit aimed to assess the security landscape and explore areas of collaboration to ensure the credibility of the forthcoming polls.
Ndahi noted that the Committee relies heavily on field reports from the Corps to gauge election activities and refine their research on national peace-building.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside civil society organizations and observer groups to achieve a stable electoral process for the FCT.