Election: NSCDC deploys 3,000 men in Bauchi State – Commandant

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has deployed 3,000 officers and men to ensure security in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in Bauchi State.

The Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr Don Ikemefuna, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Friday that the command had received all the necessary reinforcement from the national headquarters to ensure a successful poll.

“In Bauchi State command, we have 2,500 men, but we have been able to get some reinforcement from the national headquarters.

“So, we are talking about 3,000 officers and men. They have already been deployed.

“As I speak, everybody is going to his respective polling unit, including me; I am going to be on duty tomorrow.

“We have gotten a lot of reinforcement from our national headquarters, seven brand new Hilux vehicles; they have provided everything necessary for tomorrow’s election to be very successful.”

Ikemefuna said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also provided the necessary logistics, including vehicles and conducive environment for a successful exercise.

He expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful and successful.

He appealed to be public to come out en masse and cast their vote without any fear of intimidation, adding that NSCDC and other security agencies would be there to protect them.

“We do not envisage any problem, but if any problem does arise, we are ready to combat it.

“If anybody stands at the other side of the law that is not good, the long arm of the law would definitely catch up with the person.

“My appeal to the members of the public is to come out en masse, don’t not be intimidated by anybody; we are there to protect the materials, the voters, the officials as well as the election observers.

“So, I am appealing to the public to be law abiding, do not take the law into your hands, be orderly but don’t be intimidated, because we are there to protect everybody.”