Osun election security: NSCDC chief Abubakar Audi warns disruptors of decisive action as personnel prepare to protect Saturday’s governorship poll
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant-General Abubakar Audi on Thursday, August 13, 2026, warned anyone planning to disrupt the August 15 Osun State governorship election that the corps would take decisive action, as security preparations intensified across the state.
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Audi issued the warning during an operational visit to Osun to assess preparations and strengthen coordination among security agencies and electoral officials ahead of Saturday’s poll.
“We don’t want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” Audi said, according to NSCDC spokesman Afolabi Babawale.
The Commandant-General also warned against vandalism and interference with election-related infrastructure, stressing that protecting electoral materials and facilities was part of the corps’ responsibilities.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” Audi said.
Audi’s visit came as the state entered the final stretch before voters choose their governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission has already received sensitive election materials in Osogbo, while more than 30,000 National Youth Service Corps members are being mobilised as ad hoc election personnel.
The NSCDC has separately deployed 10,210 personnel and specialised units for the election, according to reports on the security arrangements. The deployment forms part of a broader operation involving multiple security agencies.
Audi met Governor Ademola Adeleke during his visit, as well as officials of INEC and officers of the NSCDC state command.
Adeleke commended Audi for personally visiting the state and praised the corps for its role in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
The governor, however, raised concerns about what he described as recent security threats from political factions, alleging that the incidents were intended to intimidate voters.
Adeleke urged the NSCDC to deploy sufficient personnel to address potential threats and arrest anyone attempting to provoke violence or interfere with the election.
Audi subsequently visited the INEC state headquarters, where he met Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Babalola welcomed the visit and praised cooperation between INEC and the civil defence corps, describing Audi’s presence as a demonstration of leadership and commitment to the security of the electoral process.
At the NSCDC state headquarters, Audi addressed officers preparing for deployment and instructed them to maintain professionalism and operate within the law.
He specifically warned personnel against being trigger-happy and directed them to follow established rules of engagement.
Audi also instructed NSCDC personnel to maintain close coordination with other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which remains the lead agency for election security operations.
The emphasis on coordination reflects Nigeria’s established election-security structure. INEC’s Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security brings together electoral officials and multiple security and public-safety agencies to coordinate the protection of elections, personnel and materials. The NSCDC is among the agencies represented on the committee.
The heightened security posture comes against a backdrop of concern over political violence in Osun.
An analysis published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting recorded 73 election-related violent incidents across the state, with 12 deaths reported in 14 local government areas during the period examined.
The police have also announced a substantial deployment for the poll, with 15,000 personnel assigned to Osun, alongside senior officers tasked with coordinating the operation.
The scale of the deployment reflects the importance of Saturday’s election and the determination of authorities to prevent disruptions at polling units and collation centres.
For voters, the security agencies face a delicate task. They must deter violence and protect election infrastructure without creating an atmosphere of intimidation that could discourage legitimate participation.
Audi’s instruction to NSCDC officers to remain professional and avoid excessive use of force speaks directly to that balance.
The NSCDC said it remained committed to creating a secure environment in which law-abiding residents can exercise their franchise peacefully.
With voting just two days away, the focus now shifts from preparations to execution.
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How effectively security personnel coordinate their operations, respond to incidents and respect the rules of engagement could prove crucial to the credibility and peaceful conduct of the Osun election.
