The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has made adequate deployment of operatives to the 260 electoral wards in Enugu for the February 23 local council polls in partnership with the SSS and police.

Civil defence spokesman in Enugu Danny Iwuchukwu disclosed this in an interview on Monday.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has scheduled elections into the 260 councillorship and 17 council chairmanship positions for Wednesday.

Mr Iwuchukwu also said the command’s patrol teams had been placed on alert and surveillance.

“We are fully prepared for the council elections, and the command has made adequate deployment that covered all 260 political wards and special road patrols for its armed teams,” he explained.

Mr Iwuchukwu also mentioned that the Enugu NSCDC command was working in active collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service to ensure that adequate security was provided for all.

“We urge the good people of Enugu state to troop out en masse and cast their votes without fear of intimidation or favour,” he stated. “Enugu state has continued to record very peaceful elections at any level, and this particular one will not be an exception.”

He added that “as a command, we have taken proactive steps and made elaborate security plans” for the council elections, and “we believe it will be free, fair and devoid of violence.”

The Enugu government on February 20 declared Wednesday, February 23, a work-free day to enable residents to vote in the local council elections.

(NAN)