The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 2,527 personnel to provide security during the Enugu State Local Government Elections scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The Commandant of the NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Enugu on Thursday. He said the deployment includes uniformed and plain-clothes officers and personnel.
Willie said the command had made preparations to support a peaceful election across the state. The deployment comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the polls.
NSCDC Deploys Personnel and Operational Vehicles
Willie said the command would strategically deploy seven vehicles for Area Commanders, alongside four additional van trucks. Other vehicles would support operational staff responsible for monitoring, while the commandant’s vehicle team would also be on duty.
He said the command had been preparing for the election and had held several meetings with relevant officers and officials. These included Corps management staff, Area Commanders, Divisional Corps Officers, special squad unit heads and departmental heads.
The NSCDC’s preparations form part of wider election security arrangements in Enugu. The state is also preparing for the September 26 local government polls, with other campaign and election-related developments taking place across the state.
Officers Briefed on Election Responsibilities
According to Willie, officers and personnel have been briefed and oriented on their roles and responsibilities during the election.
He said the command had developed an operational module after receiving one from the police. The NSCDC would communicate the module and related instructions to officers serving in divisional areas and wards.
Willie said the command had instructed personnel to remain firm while carrying out their duties. However, he stressed that they must also act civilly and respect human rights.
Election preparations have also included public notices and guidance relating to campaign activities. These include the Enugu signage agency’s warning on the poster ban.
Security Agencies Raid Criminal Hideouts
The commandant disclosed that the NSCDC and other security agencies had been conducting raids on criminal black spots and flashpoints across the state.
He said the operations were intended to help maintain calm during the election period. The command is also preparing to monitor the situation and respond to security concerns.
Other security-related reports in the state have included calls for safer measures following a drowning incident at Coal Camp and the state government’s response to a reported transport protest.
Residents Urged to Vote Without Fear
Willie urged residents to come out and exercise their franchise by voting for candidates of their choice without fear or favour.
He said the NSCDC and other security agencies were assuring the public of a peaceful, violence-free and fair election. He added that the command was prepared to help ensure a successful exercise.
The commandant also warned miscreants to stay away from the state and the election, saying there would be no room for them to operate.
He further stated that their activities were being tracked through statewide technology that could help security operatives identify them.
NSCDC Says Additional Security Measures Are in Place
Willie said the command had introduced other security measures for the election. However, he noted that some of those measures could not appropriately be disclosed to the press.
The NSCDC deployment is part of preparations for the statewide local government elections organised by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC).
ENSIEC has scheduled elections for 17 chairmanship positions and 260 ward councillorship positions across the state for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The election will determine the occupants of the local government leadership and ward representative positions across Enugu State.
