BY EMMA PETER, GUSAU
Ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Zamfara State Command have caution officers, tasked them to remain neutral, nothing that it has deployed adequate number of personnel.
According the statement made available to Journalists in Gusau, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ikor Oche SC, noted that Commandant Muhammad Bello Muazu, gave the charge while addressing the combat ready officers and men at the state command headquarters.
He equally noted that the Zamfara state NSCDC helmsman averred that security of life and properties in the state is sacrosanct and of utmost importance to the Corps before, during and after the elections.
According to him, that Commandant MB Muazu has opined that the Corps is very ready and in a high spirits to close ranks with other sister security agencies to ensure a hitch free elections.
Mr. Oche explained that the state commandant however, posited that strategic deployment has been made based on the three senatorial zones as well as other areas considered key either because of their population and/or insecurity vulnerability in Zamfara State, each headed by a Deputy Commandant of the Corps attached with specialist of the Counter Terrorist unit and Rapid Response Unit of the Corps to handle any perceived threat to the electorates during the election periods.
He further explained that the Commandant warned that the Corps (NSCDC) will not tolerate any act of restiveness or breakdown of law and order by any miscreants, hoodlums or political parties.
He however, charged the Corps to remain apolitical and maintain high level of professionalism and neutrality.
Mr. Oche also quoted the Commandant as saying in the statement that the Corps will not hesitate to deal decisively in accordance with the extant laws of the Federation, anyone who contravenes the electoral Acts and other byelaws of the Federation before , during and after the elections
But assuring all and sundry of adequate security coverages by the Corps and other sister agencies in the state through out the periods of elections.
Explaining about the deployment, Mr. Oche said that Commandant MB Muazu deployed Special Force Unit, Counter Terrorist Unit, Rapid Response Unit, the Corps’ Anti Bomb Squad (CBRN), Anti Vandal unit, Disaster Management Unit and the intelligence and investigation units to man the elections.
He added that Commandant MB Muazu said, all critical infrastructures and public utilities will be properly manned by the personnel of Department of Critical Infrastructures and National Assets ( CNAI) in order to wade off saboteurs.
That farmlands will also be manned by the Agro Rangers Unit of the Corps.
Moreover, CDPRO said, the State Commandant reiterated his commitment to maintain security in the state, that the personnel of the Corps in special taskforce operations will ensure that no act of brigandage would be carried out during the periods.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer insisted that Commandant MB Muazu enjoined the good people of Zamfara State and the esteemed electorates to be vigilant and report any suspicious act to the following phone numbers provide by the agency:
1. 08028280286 (Zamfara central)
2.08034645633 (Zamfara north)
3. 08035976581 (Zamfara West).
4. 07067692146
5. 08032570820 (Area Talata Mafara)
6.08138871585 ( Area kaura Namoda)
7. 08039713622 (Area Commander Gusau)
8. 07034695951 (Bungudu Axis)
9. 07063739231 (Tsafe Axis)
10. 08161898082 ( Talata Mafara Axis)