
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has deployed 10,000 personnel across Ekiti State to provide security for the upcoming governorship election. This deployment is intended to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free electoral process. Personnel have been drawn from various state commands, including Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ogun, and Kogi, as well as operational reinforcements from Zones 11 and 6. The Commandant General has also directed the immediate deployment of elite tactical units, such as the Commandant General鈥檚 Special Intelligence Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics unit, Specialized Female Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Force and Crack Squad, and the K9 Unit, to address potential security threats. Deputy Commandant General in charge of Operations, Ayuba Phillips, will lead the election security exercise. The NSCDC stated its mission is to protect the integrity of the democratic process and ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and citizens, emphasizing that electoral violence, thuggery, or disruption will not be tolerated. The Corps is collaborating with other security agencies and has instructed all deployed personnel to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and civility. Residents of Ekiti State are urged to participate peacefully and report suspicious activities.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish dedicated safe spaces in all 774 Local Government Areas to enhance protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence GBV. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA and the New Era Foundation in Abuja. The agreement aims to strengthen protection, rehabilitation, and support services for GBV survivors nationwide. The Minister stated that this is a core component of the upcoming National Action Plan on GBV, designed to improve access to care, protection, and justice. These centers will provide immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to communities. Additionally, the government is working on regional mega-protection centers offering integrated medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services. Mobile support teams under the Women on Wheels initiative will extend services to underserved communities. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed concern over rising GBV cases, noting 2,755 documented cases between January and April 2026, with only four percent resulting in successful prosecution. Women and girls account for over 81 percent of survivors, and sexual violence represents 82 percent of recorded cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, CEO of NPHCDA, highlighted GBV as a major public health and human rights challenge, emphasizing the pa

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has officially recognized Professor Sadiq Gombe as the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party SDP, replacing the expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam. This decision, announced by SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba, follows a Supreme Court judgment and marks a significant development in the party's leadership dispute. INEC updated its records on June 17, removing Gabam and other expelled members. Aiyenigba stated that INEC's action aligns with the Supreme Court's position that neither courts nor INEC should interfere in the internal affairs of political parties. The SDP expressed its commitment to strengthening democracy and addressing national challenges, looking forward to the 2027 general elections with its presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo. The party commended INEC for upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial pronouncements, hoping this signifies a new cooperative approach with all political parties.

The Edo State Government has assured residents that those responsible for the abduction of a woman at a Benin vegetable market on Sunday will be brought to justice. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated during a radio program on Wednesday that the Edo State Police Command has initiated an investigation following the governor's directive to apprehend the perpetrators. Ebojele emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that security operatives are actively working to track down those involved. He also cautioned social media users against sensationalizing security incidents, as exaggerated reports could cause panic and hinder ongoing operations. While acknowledging insecurity as a challenge, Ebojele highlighted Governor Okpebholo's significant investments in security personnel, equipment, and intelligence gathering since taking office, which he said has led to evident improvements. He urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support efforts to maintain peace. Additionally, Ebojele mentioned that forests and farmlands would soon be safer due to the ongoing training of forest guards recruited from local government areas and host communities, leveraging their local knowledge to enhance security in rural areas and protect farmers.