The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned political thugs to stay away from election venues during next month’s general polls, saying that any attempt to disrupt the process or cause confusion would meet the wrath of the organisation.

Corps Commandant General, Dr. Ade Abolurin, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja issued by NSCDC Public Relations Officer Okeh Emmanuel, who disclosed that the organisation “has put in place every possible arrangement and logistics to ensure hitch-free general elections.”

He encouraged parents to always monitor the activities of their wards. “Our youths should not allow themselves to be used as thugs, rather they should ensure their futures by voting responsibly,” he said.

Abolurin reminded politicians and their supporters that election is not a do-or-die affair, warning to miscreants planning to cause commotion and confusion during the February 2015 elections “to have a rethink as the Corps will not tolerate anyone aiming to truncate the electoral process.” He reiterated that irrespective of political affinity, all hands should be on deck to make the election hitch-free “such that it will be a reference point for both local and international observers and commentators when credible elections are being discussed in the country.”

The Corps Leader tasked the electorate to carry out their civic electoral duties in a transparent manner, to relate peacefully with one another and to promptly inform security operatives of any suspicious act or movement and when they notice unfamiliar faces, strangers, infiltrators or persons suspected with other motives different from the election programme. “Visitors into the state are also expected to conduct themselves in a lawful manner, to be of good behaviour and to leave politics to politicians,” Abolurin said.

He assured that NSCDC’s department of peace and conflict resolution, disaster management team, crises intervention group, the operation team, nuclear and chemical weapon team and anti-vandals squad are all ready to assist, rescue and manage any crisis that they occur during the polls. “Also, the Corps sniffer dogs specially trained for election and crowd control are available and capable of detecting anybody in possession of dangerous weapons, carrying money about or any other thing to disrupt election but they will not harm any harmless person,” Abolurin stated.

The NSCDC Commandant General advised politicians “to seek the good of the nation as they go about their political activities rather than engage in unwarranted propaganda and verbal attacks on security operatives who are there for the good of all.”

He tasked NSCDC personnel to partner and synergise with personnel of sister agencies and do their work with civility and decorum as they strive to protect the citizenry.

•Photo shows Abolurin.

Update news