The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Audi, has urged personnel to maintain neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to rules of engagement ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Audi said the Corps would prioritise the protection of electoral materials, officials and other critical stakeholders to help ensure peaceful and credible elections.

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He made the remarks on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja while declaring open a three-day workshop for 216 officers drawn from the 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory and 18 zonal commands.

The workshop is designed to prepare personnel for election-related security responsibilities and strengthen their understanding of operational procedures.

Audi said the Corps would not tolerate negligence during the forthcoming elections, explaining that the training was intended to improve officers’ vigilance and ability to manage tense situations.

He stressed the importance of de-escalating confrontations without force wherever possible, while ensuring that any use of force, when necessary, complied with applicable rules.

The NSCDC chief also warned officers against voter intimidation, abuse of citizens, abandoning duty posts and obeying unlawful orders.

He maintained that national interest must remain paramount and called on personnel to familiarise themselves with the legal framework governing elections, intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies.

“We must not wait till Election Day to familiarize ourselves with electoral rules. The rules of engagement help officers to protect the process, citizens and defend the democracy that we are currently enjoying,” he said.

The workshop, organised in collaboration with Alnas Consulting Limited, is themed “Role of Security Agencies in the Conduct of the General Elections in Nigeria: Legal, Field Conduct, Supervisory and Operational Perspectives.”

It is intended to strengthen officers’ understanding of the legal, supervisory and operational requirements for election security.

In his welcome address, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Alnas Consulting Limited, Professor Nasirdeen Usman, described the NSCDC as a critical component of Nigeria’s security architecture.

He urged participants to share the knowledge acquired during the workshop with other personnel to improve operational readiness across the Corps.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Controller-General of Corrections, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Ambassador Dr Jake Ekpelle.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful elections, cooperation among security agencies and the protection of Nigerians’ democratic rights as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.

The Corps said its preparations would focus on ensuring that officers understand their responsibilities, respect citizens’ rights and carry out their duties in line with established rules of engagement.

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The training forms part of efforts to prepare security personnel for the challenges of election operations and support a peaceful electoral process nationwide.