Tunji-Ojo: Police, NSCDC to Protect Nigeria’s Critical Infrastructure

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the need for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to perform its constitutional role in securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The Minister stressed that the constitution clearly defines distinct roles for both the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC, eliminating any potential for role confusion.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of the Civil Defence Corps focusing on their duties, which include preventing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, and ensuring the protection of lives and property at mining sites.

The Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Corps in safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources, but pointed out that more work needs to be done in order to protect public infrastructure from theft and damage.

Collaboration between the various security agencies in the country is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, stated that the Corps has intensified its efforts in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) through increased patrols, monitoring, surveillance, and the implementation of security measures.

The Anti-Vandal Squad and the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad have been actively combating vandals of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as oil thieves.

In just the past year, the Corps has made significant progress in the war against vandalization and oil theft, with over 57 suspects arrested between January and February 2024.

Furthermore, the joint efforts of the NSCDC and the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited resulted in the arrest of a vessel, MT KALI, suspected of oil theft in the Bayelsa State waters on January 11, 2024.

Twelve crew members and eleven community members on board were arrested and are currently under investigation.

As the NSCDC celebrates three years under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Corps has made notable achievements in its fight against criminal activities.

These achievements include 1,421 arrests, 933 prosecutions, 488 convictions, and the destruction of 233 illegal refineries.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is taking a proactive approach to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure by focusing on its constitutional role and collaborating with other security agencies.

This concerted effort is essential in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s valuable resources and public infrastructure.