The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has continued its community-based security engagement across the Area H Command formations covering Amuwo, Oriade, Ijegun, Irewe, Ikotun and Alimosho divisions as part of efforts to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
CNAI protection which includes the oil and gas sector, power and energy installations, telecommunications facilities, transportation systems, education and health infrastructure, remains a core statutory mandate of the Corps.
At a stakeholders’ engagement held in Festac Town, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, commended the Area H Command for organizing the security dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Represented by the Head of the CNAI Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye, the Commandant explained that the initiative was designed to take anti-vandalism advocacy directly to the grassroots.
He said the campaign targets illegal activities such as vandalism, illegal dredging, illegal mining, and unlawful scrap dealings that threaten public safety and economic stability.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, market leaders, religious bodies, telecom operators, electricity distribution companies and local security networks, the Commandant urged collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure.
Residents were encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to nearby NSCDC offices or through Lagos emergency lines 112 and 767, as well as the command’s public relations unit hotline.
The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr. Akinpelu Ibrahim, represented by his Chief Security Officer, Daniel Nwagboe praised the initiative, noting it creates a platform for collaborative security discussions and improves community safety awareness.
Similarly, the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Amuwo-Odofin, Mrs. Stella Osafile, lauded the Corps for promoting community ownership of public assets and pledged intervention towards providing office accommodation and logistics support for the Area H Command.
An official of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Mrs. Onuoha Ifeoma, also condemned vandalism and urged residents to safeguard installations within their neighbourhoods.
Stakeholders at the meeting collectively resolved to protect manholes, fibre optic cables, railway components, electricity facilities and telecommunications equipment from vandalism and theft.Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and various community associations, all pledging cooperation with the NSCDC to secure public infrastructure across Lagos communities.The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment from residents and authorities to work jointly in preventing vandalism and protecting assets critical to public safety and economic development in the state.
Written by Yemisi Dada