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Kwara PDP, ADC Reject N100m Fee for Political Advertisement

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

The Kwara State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress have opposed the new political campaign advertising permit fees introduced by the Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency. They described the fees as excessive, unjustifiable and capable of restricting opposition participation in the 2027 elections. The parties’ positions followed a stakeholders’ engagement on political advertising and campaign communications organised by KWASAA in Ilorin, where the agency unveiled a new fee schedule ranging from N2m to N100m for candidates contesting various elective positions. Under the schedule, presidential candidates are expected to pay N100m for campaign advertising permits, while governorship candidates will pay N50m, senatorial candidates N30m, House of Representatives candidates N10m and House of Assembly candidates N2m. In a statement on Sunday, the Kwara PDP Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, said the party and its candidates would not submit to charges considered arbitrary, unlawful or unsupported by a valid legal instrument. Adewara said the PDP would comply with legitimate regulations governing lawful, decent and responsible political communication but would resist what he described as an unjustifiable financial burden imposed by the state government. The PDP spokesman said the party recognised KWASAA’s regulatory responsibilities, including the regulation of outdoor advertising structures, issuance of permits and control of posters and political signs. He, however, questioned the legal and administrative basis for the new charges, asking who approved the fees, how they were calculated and what services the agency would provide to justify the millions of naira being demanded. Adewara said, “The existence of regulatory powers does not give public institutions an unlimited licence to impose arbitrary financial burdens on citizens and political candidates.” He further argued that the charges could undermine equal participation in the electoral process, particularly if opposition parties and candidates were unable to afford the fees. The PDP also cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing political campaigns and media access, arguing that public institutions should not be used to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. The party said implementing the policy in its current form could turn political communication into an exclusive preserve of wealthy candidates and the ruling party. “The new KWASA policy, if implemented in its present form, could have the practical effect of turning political communication into an exclusive preserve of the ruling party and this will be fatally unhealthy for our democracy,” he said. Similarly, the Kwara State chapter of the ADC rejected the fees, describing the new charges as an attempt to place a financial barrier on political participation ahead of the 2027 elections. In a separate statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Kabir Basambo, the ADC said the N100m presidential permit fee and other charges amounted to “taxation of democracy.” Basambo said, “This is not regulation. This is taxation of democracy.” The ADC argued that the fees were illegal and unjustifiable, insisting that the agency had not provided a sufficient legal basis for the charges. The party said the policy could effectively make political visibility available only to candidates with deep financial resources, thereby shutting out credible aspirants and reducing elections to what it described as an “auction.” The ADC also accused KWASAA of being used to suppress opposition voices, saying the agency should regulate order and safety rather than restrict political participation. Basambo said the party would challenge the policy through lawful and democratic means, including the courts, if the charges were not withdrawn. The ADC called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to direct KWASAA to reverse the fees, stressing that political advertising regulation must be fair, lawful and inclusive. The two opposition parties’ objections come as political parties in Kwara intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with campaign activities expected to increase ahead of the commencement of the official electioneering period. KWASAA had said the new campaign permit fees were part of its regulatory framework for political advertising, with the charges applying across the various categories of candidates.

BREAKING: 176 Abducted Victims Regain Freedom in Kwara

August 5, 2026 by admin

The Kwara State Government announced on Wednesday that the victims abducted during the February 3, 2026, attack on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area have been released and have regained their freedom. The development was announced on Wednesday in a post on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government, months after 176 victims were abducted. The government wrote, “Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” The victims were kidnapped when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that reportedly lasted several hours. The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and forced many residents to flee. Local vigilantes who attempted to repel the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped and burnt inside their office. Further details on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.

Kwara Community Rejoices as Abducted Worshippers Return

July 8, 2026 by admin

Families and residents of the Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have welcomed with joy the return of the three remaining members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity. The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026. While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the remaining three regained their freedom following a coordinated security offensive against suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border. In a statement issued on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the return of the three women as a moment of “mixed emotions,” saying the community was celebrating their freedom while mourning those who lost their lives in captivity. He said, “With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families. “Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory.” Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson recalled that the attack on the church remained one of the darkest moments in the history of Omugo, noting that the community endured 105 days of fear, anxiety and unceasing prayers while hoping for the safe return of the victims. “For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none,” he said. The community leader also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died in the kidnappers’ den, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would never be forgotten. “Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den,” Thompson said. “On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters,” he added. Thompson commended security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their roles in securing the victims’ release. “We sincerely appreciate the government at all levels, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security personnel whose courage, professionalism and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives,” he said. He also praised the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and the Council of Chiefs for providing leadership and encouragement throughout the period of uncertainty, while thanking sons and daughters of Omugo, both at home and in the diaspora, for their financial support, prayers and solidarity. Calling for sustained unity, Thompson urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that adequate arrangements had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. “I also encourage you all to return home, as all arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property in our community,” he stated. Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the victims were released after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers during the coordinated security operation along the Kwara-Kogi border. “A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border,” the group said. “The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families,” it added. Also confirming the return of the ECWA worshippers, the pastor-in-charge of the church, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and appealed for prayers for their recovery. “With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus’ name, amen,” Omole said. Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Three Rescued after Failed Church Attack in Kwara

March 23, 2026 by admin

Joint security operatives on Sunday repelled a suspected bandits’ attack on an ECWA Church in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, rescuing three abducted victims in the process. The attack was reportedly carried out by armed men during a church service, triggering panic among worshippers and residents of the community. A local source said the gunmen stormed the church premises and whisked away members before security forces swiftly intervened to contain the situation. An anonymous source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch told The PUNCH that no fewer than seven persons were abducted during the attack. “At least seven people were abducted,” the source said, without providing further details. Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others. She stated, “We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers.” Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. “While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said. The commissioner further condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable. “The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added. The commissioner also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities. “We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted. Olukoju emphasised that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area. “At least seven people were abducted,” the source said, without providing further details. Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others. She stated, “We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers.” Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. “While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said. The commissioner further condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable. “The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added. Related News Police recover abducted child’s corpse in Bauchi Ghana lauds Nigeria, DSS for rescuing 44 nationals from trafficking network Bandits invade Kwara church, abduct worshippers The commissioner also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities. “We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted. Olukoju emphasised that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area. Discover more Local artisan crafts Politics political Featured content sponsorship Cultural exchange experiences “We also commend the appreciable progress made in the ongoing combing of the forests, which has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas,” she said. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of sustained collaboration with all security stakeholders. The PUNCH had earlier reported that security concerns have heightened in the state following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across parts of Kwara South.

2 Division Launches “Operation Igbo Danu” In Kwara, Destroys Terrorists’ Camps

January 30, 2026 by admin

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 22 Armoured Brigade, under the 2 Division, have recorded significant operational successes following the launch of Operation “Igbo Danu”, a sustained forest-clearing offensive targeting terrorist elements in Kwara State. The coordinated operations according to a signed press statement made available to journalists on Friday conducted between 23 and 29 January 2026, were executed with massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). The offensive was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Chinedu Nnebife, alongside the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume. According to military sources, troops carried out aggressive fighting patrols across several bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of a terrorist, while several others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The operation also led to the destruction of multiple hideouts and camps, effectively dislodging the criminals from their strongholds. In a related operation, troops successfully cleared Garin Dandi, a notorious bandits’ enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the destruction of logistics bases and disruption of the bandits’ supply networks. The troops further advanced into remote camps previously inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capabilities. Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture across the forested areas, denying the criminals freedom of movement. Blocking positions were established along escape routes, resulting in the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also led to the rescue of several kidnap victims from different camps across the state. Observations from the operations revealed that the bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded, the Army said, underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of 2 Division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security in Kwara State. The GOC, Major General Nnebife, has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence on bandits and their collaborators to support ongoing operations. He assured that Operation Igbo Danu remains ongoing, with troops determined to decisively dismantle all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.

Fear in Kwara: 3 Killed, 35 Abducted as State Closes Schools, Seeks Military Base

November 20, 2025 by admin

The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four Local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities. The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs. Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South. “Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read. “This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.” He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves. On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted. The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area. “We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said. “It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added. Community recounts ordeal For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help. One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror. “They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said. He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community. “We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack. “When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged. Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support. “These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us. “Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists. “We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.” He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers. “Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.” Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck. “We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around. “The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed. “In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.” The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community. “This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ. “Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified. “People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” Protesters block the highway. Earlier in the day, hundreds of angry youths barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba Expressway to protest what they described as “total abandonment” by security agencies during the attack. When The PUNCH visited around 1:30 pm, bonfires, stones, and logs blocked the highway, leaving dozens of trailers and commercial vehicles stranded. Residents insisted the attack lasted almost an hour without any intervention from security operatives reportedly … Read more

Mindless Act of Violence, Obi Condemns Killing of 12 in Kwara

September 30, 2025 by admin

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the deadly attack on Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State that left some vigilantes and a community leader dead. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that at least 12 persons, including the Baale of Ogbayo, were killed during Sunday morning’s bandits’ attack. According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. when armed men stormed the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting sporadically and targeting members of the local vigilante. Ejire-Adeyemi said four injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated. In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra Governor described the incident as “another mindless act of violence” and urged urgent action to halt the cycle of bloodshed. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the tragic killings in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, where innocent lives, including vigilantes and the Baale of Ogbayo, were cut short in yet another mindless act of violence from armed bandits terrorising our nation. “Once again, our nation is thrown into mourning as innocent lives are cut short. These repeated attacks show the urgent need for an emergency on national security. “No Nigerian should have to live in fear in their own home. We cannot continue to normalise tragedy. Obi offered condolences to the governor, the people of Kwara State and the bereaved families. “My heart goes out to the Governor and the people of Kwara State. I reassure you that you are not alone. And to the grieving families, please accept my deepest condolences. “May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.

Five-Year-Old Sets Building On Fire While Playing With Matches In Kwara

February 4, 2025 by admin

A five-year-old boy on Monday reportedly set a duplex building on fire while playing with match sticks in Ilorin, Kwara State capital. The incident happened at Abiodun Adebiyi close, off Yidi Road, Irewole area Ilorin in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state. One of the rooms in the duplex was completely burnt and property destroyed before men of the state fire service arrived at the scene to rescue the building from complete destruction, an eyewitness told Punch Online. The witness, who identified himself as Lanre Abdulrazaq, and said that he was doing a menial job in the area, said, “We just noticed that thick smoke was oozing out of the building; we raised the alarm to sensitise people around for a rescue operation. “We did not know the cause of the fire but later we saw the fire service who arrived and contained the fire.” However, the spokesman for the state fire service, Hassan Adekunle, who confirmed the fire, said the incident was caused by a five-year-old boy who was playing with matches that he unknowingly dropped on a combustible material that escalated the fire. Adekunle, a principal fire officer and head of Media and Publicity in the state fire service, in a statement issued on Monday night said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by a five-year-old boy playing with matches, who inadvertently dropped a lit stick on combustible material, igniting the flames. “On Monday, 3rd February 2025, at about 17:32 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call regarding a fire outbreak at Abiodun Adebiyi Close, Off Yidi Road, Irewolede Area, Ilorin. “Our gallant firefighters sprang into action, arriving swiftly at the scene to find one room in a five-bedroom duplex engulfed in flames. “Through sheer expertise and technical precision, the team worked fervently to contain the fire, ensuring it did not spread to other rooms or nearby buildings. Thanks to their exceptional skill and coordination, only one room was affected. . “The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John, commended the firefighters for their swift and tactical response. “He urged the public to prioritize fire safety and advised parents to keep matches away from children, emphasizing that a single matchstick could destroy an entire building.” Adekunle said that the State Fire Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through professionalism and rapid emergency response. Punch

Kwara Warns Workers: No November Salary Without Resident Registration

November 11, 2024 by admin

Kwara State Government has urged public sector workers to register with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency without delay. The state government noted that workers who fail to obtain a valid resident registration number will not receive their November salary or bonuses. This was stated in a release by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, and signed by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Babatunde Abdulrasheed, on Monday in Ilorin.65 Nuru reported that the registration process began in July. She noted that Bowser is legally mandated to gather data on all residents of the state and assign unique identities to each person to improve planning, resource management, service delivery, public safety, and more. “In line with the administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in resource management, a directive has been issued mandating all state employees, including those across the 16 local government areas, to complete their registration. THE ROUNDTABLE: Again, NNPCL Hikes Petrol Price, Fixes N1,060/litre0:00 / 0:00 “From November, any worker who has not registered will not receive salary payments or bonuses,” she said. The commissioner added that the KWSRRA registration is an essential step towards creating a comprehensive and accurate database that allows Kwara to serve its residents more effectively. Ensuring that every state worker is registered strengthens our payroll system, enhances service delivery, and builds trust in our processes. “The integrity of our data affects all our financial and administrative systems. A complete database helps us make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that every eligible worker is compensated fairly and accurately,” she added. She urged all state employees who have not yet registered to visit the nearest KWSRRA centre to complete their enrolment promptly. “By following this directive, the Kwara State Government is working to establish a more efficient and equitable system for both its workforce and residents,” she said.

Kwara LG Poll: NSCDC Deploys 3,000 Officers Ahead Of Saturday’s Election

September 19, 2024 by admin

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it deployed 3,000 officers across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas for Saturday’s local government elections. The state Commandant, Umar Mohammed, in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin said the personnel were drawn from the State Headquarters, Area Commands, and Divisional offices across the state. He said the deployed officers would man various polling units and synchronise their efforts with those of other sister security agencies to ensure a peaceful conduct of the elections. “Our primary responsibility is to create an environment where the local government elections can be conducted peacefully, free from violence, intimidation, ballot-snatching, and any other disruptive action.We will not tolerate any form of political thuggery, violence, hooliganism or any action aimed at disrupting the electoral process,” Mr Mohammed added. The NSCDC state commandant in Kwara State said the officers had been thoroughly briefed and were ready for the assignment. He further said the Corps’ special forces, such as Operation Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and the Female Squad, would be patrolling the state for further security. He said, “Also, officers from the Anti-Vandal Unit and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department were deployed to monitor and protect government assets, to prevent vandals during and after the elections.” The commandant appealed to political parties and citizens to cooperate with security agencies and avoid any action that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election. The local government elections will hold on Saturday with only five political parties participating. These are the All Progressives Congress, Peoples’ Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Social Democratic Party and Accord Party.