The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Katsina Command, has warned hoodlums and other detractors to stay off the state to allow peaceful elections.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, CSD Mohammed Tukur-Abdara, said this in a statement issued to reporters on Friday in Katsina.

According to Mr Tukur-Abdara, the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Jamilu Abdu-Indabawa, gave the warning to ensure hitch free governorship and house of assembly elections in the state.

He added that the command would not take it lightly with any person found trying to bring the process into disrepute and threaten the existing peace during the elections.

“Indabawa intends to build on the successes recorded during the Presidential and NASS elections with adequate arrangements to maintain law and order during the elections across the state.

“Over 2,000 operatives have been detailed for deployment in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force and other Security agencies across the state.

“The operatives include officers and men deployed to polling units and collation centres, armed operatives to guard INEC Offices, critical national assets, patrols and undercover operatives for surveillance,” said Mr Tukur-Abdara.

According to him, the Command is also maintaining a fully coordinated emergency call centre with sister agencies to respond to any security breach during the election.

“The call centre can be reached through the following Numbers: 07088882268 and 08135277779,” he said.

He explained that the command advised stakeholders to conduct themselves within the existing laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as guided by the Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act.

According to him, Commandant Indabawa also urged all eligible voters to come out and vote peacefully and follow INEC’s electoral guidelines to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

(NAN)