Armed military personnel have been deployed to the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo as part of heightened security measures ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The soldiers, who were heavily armed, were observed around the commission’s premises on Monday. Three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were also reportedly positioned within the area as part of efforts to reinforce security around the electoral body’s headquarters.
The latest deployment represents an expansion of the security arrangement previously in place at the INEC office. Prior to the arrival of the soldiers, the facility was mainly guarded by personnel from the Nigeria Police Force’s Mobile Police unit and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
A security official familiar with the development told Punch that the military personnel arrived in Osogbo on Sunday but officially began their assignment on Monday.
The source explained that the number of soldiers increased on Monday as the military assumed a more prominent role in securing the commission’s premises.
“They arrived yesterday, Sunday, but their numbers increased today, Monday. The soldiers are in charge now, but all other security personnel are at their duty posts too,” the source stated.
The official further disclosed that the existing security personnel would continue to participate in the operation, with more officers from the police and NSCDC expected to be deployed as the election draws closer.
“In the next few days, the police and Civil Defence personnel will join. There are three Armoured Personnel Carriers brought by the soldiers too,” the source added.
The deployment comes as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election, with security agencies and electoral authorities stepping up arrangements to ensure the poll proceeds without disruption.
INEC also confirmed that preparations for the election were substantially complete.
Speaking on the commission’s level of readiness, the Osun State Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, said INEC had concluded nearly all the activities contained in its official timetable for the election.
According to Olurode, 12 out of the 13 scheduled stages of the electoral process had already been completed, leaving only election day as the final activity.
“We are fully ready for the election on Saturday,” he said in a message to Punch.
He explained that the commission had successfully carried out the various preparatory activities outlined in its timetable and was now focused on the final arrangements required for the conduct of the poll.
“Out of the 13 activities on the timeline of activities for the election, we have exhausted 12 and the last one is the day of the election,” Olurode said.
He further disclosed that the distribution of sensitive electoral materials would commence on Thursday, two days before voters are expected to cast their ballots.
“More so, the sensitive materials will be distributed on Thursday to various local governments,” he added.
The increased military presence at the INEC headquarters is expected to complement the activities of other security agencies as Osun State approaches the crucial governorship election.
