The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has issued a strong appeal to residents of the FCT to take an active role in protecting public infrastructure, emphasizing that safeguarding government assets is a collective responsibility. Dr. Olusola Odumosu, the Commandant of the NSCDC FCT Command, made this call as part of the Corps' ongoing campaign against the vandalism of critical national assets, particularly in light of the Federal Government's infrastructural development projects across the nation's capital.
Collective Responsibility for Public Assets
According to Dr. Odumosu, the developmental projects represent dividends of democracy and require the support of all residents to ensure they are protected and continue to serve the public effectively. He stressed that security is the responsibility of every Nigerian, urging residents to develop a sense of ownership of public infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. “Security operations are intelligence-driven, and we rely heavily on credible information from members of the public. Many people turn a blind eye whenever vandalism is being perpetrated around them. It is wrong. Residents must promptly report such incidents through our emergency hotlines 08159066244 or 09166229882,” he said.
Vandalism as a Threat to National Development
The Commandant noted that vandalism poses a serious threat to national development, adding that the Corps, as the lead agency responsible for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), remains committed to responding swiftly to credible intelligence. “We cannot allow criminal elements to sabotage the government’s efforts aimed at improving the welfare of residents of the FCT,” he declared. Odumosu warned that the FCT would no longer serve as a safe haven for vandals, declaring that anyone arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
Intensified Surveillance and Enforcement
He disclosed that the Command has intensified 24-hour surveillance across the territory to curb vandalism and ensure the protection of critical infrastructure. The NSCDC Commandant also called on operators of Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to support the Corps by providing credible intelligence that would aid the protection of vital government facilities. He warned that the Command would sanction operators found to be operating with fake documents, invalid or expired licences, describing the non-compliance of some firms with regulatory requirements as unacceptable.
Warning to Unlicensed Security Firms
According to him, any private security company operating in the FCT without a valid licence is doing so at its own risk, as the Command’s enforcement team will soon commence strict enforcement. Odumosu further revealed that surveillance of Private Guard Companies was ongoing across the FCT, with the Command compiling the names of companies that have violated the law ahead of full enforcement. In a press release signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, FCT CDPRO, he advised operators with expired licences or fake documents to visit the NSCDC FCT Command to regularise their operations or risk arrest and the sealing of their companies.
