2027: NSCDC Warns Against Violence, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Peace

By Uchenna Okah, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has urged Nigerians to shun riots, violence and other acts capable of threatening national peace as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

The Command also called on political actors, supporters and citizens to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, stressing that disagreements associated with elections should not degenerate into violence.

The Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, and head of Administration and Personnel, DCC. James Elaigwu, made the call in Abakaliki while speaking with journalists after the command’s activities to mark the International Day of Peace.

Elaigwu said the Corps was being proactive by educating members of the public on the importance of investing in peace and taking preventive measures against conflicts, particularly during election periods.

He said, “If you are not informed, you are deformed. So, we, as an agency, are being proactive. 

We want to ensure that we do our bit by imparting people with the knowledge to invest in peace, to avoid unnecessary fracas or disasters, especially in times of election.”

According to him, while elections naturally involve disagreements and disputes, there are established mechanisms that can be deployed to prevent such disagreements from escalating into conflicts.

He expressed optimism that the peace education initiatives of the NSCDC would contribute to a peaceful electoral process in 2027, assuring that the Corps would also deploy personnel to protect lives and property and maintain public order during the elections.

Elaigwu said NSCDC personnel would be deployed on Election Day to enable citizens to carry out their lawful activities safely, while efforts would be made to prevent crises and minimize disturbances.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commandant and Head of unit, Peace and conflict  resolution unit, DCC Sunday Omibeku, said the Corps’ responsibility went beyond responding to riots and other security breaches.

Omibeke said although NSCDC personnel were trained to handle firearms and could be deployed to manage violent situations.

The organisation was increasingly focused on preventing conflicts through peace education, dialogue and community engagement.

He said, “Our primary duty is to preach peace and make sure we create a peaceful environment. 

We too say we don’t want it. Use of firearms, putting tear gas, we too, we don’t want it.”

According to him, security personnel should strive to maintain cordial relationships with members of the public and resolve disputes amicably before they escalate into situations requiring the use of force.

Omibeku noted that the government and security agencies had important roles to play in creating an environment where disputes could be addressed peacefully, 

He added that the changing security landscape required a greater emphasis on prevention rather than reaction.

He urged Nigerians to see peace as a collective responsibility, saying sustained public enlightenment, dialogue and responsible conduct remained critical to ensuring peaceful elections and a stable society.