Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, has warned against the destruction of fibre optic cables and other critical national assets during construction works.
The warning came during a stakeholders community engagement organised by NSCDC in Surulere, Mushin, Iganmu, Itire-Ikate and Yaba areas, under Area C Command.
The advocacy followed directives by the Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Ahmed Audi.
Lagos State Commandant of the corps, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, commended the division for sensitising communities on protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, CNAI.
Keshinro was represented by the Head of CNAI Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye.
“The protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remains one of the core statutory mandates of NSCDC.
“It covers vital sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, power and energy, telecommunications, education and health.
“This mandate requires the collaboration of communities and stakeholders to ensure that these national assets are protected from vandalism and destruction”, the commandant said.
Keshinro added that the community advocacy is aimed at bringing sensitisation campaigns closer to the grassroots on the need for the populace to protect CNAI against vandalism and illegal activities.
“These engagements are meant to sensitise traditional leaders, market leaders, youths, unions and residents on protecting national assets.
“They will also address issues such as illegal dredging, illegal mining and unlawful scrap dealings that threaten national infrastructure.
“Our goal is to bring awareness and security advocacy directly to the communities where these assets are located” he said.
Keshinro warned contractors and construction workers to avoid damaging fibre optic cables during projects.
“Fibre optic cables are usually laid underground by telecommunication engineers to strengthen network services for citizens.
“Construction companies must collaborate with NSCDC and the Nigerian Communications Commission while carrying out projects.
“This collaboration will ensure fibre optic cables and other critical infrastructure are not accidentally destroyed during construction activities,” he said.
The commandant urged residents to report suspected vandalism to nearby NSCDC offices or emergency numbers.
Chairman, Surulere Local Government Area, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, commended the corps for promoting community-based security awareness.
Yusuf said the initiative provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss security issues affecting the area.
“I commend NSCDC for creating a platform were communities can openly discuss security challenges.
“This initiative will strengthen collaboration between residents and security agencies.
“We will continue to support the corps with the necessary tools and facilities to improve their operations” he said.
The Baale of Abule-Ijesha also pledged support for the corps efforts to protect national assets.
He urged divisional officers under Area C Command to maintain regular engagement with traditional institutions.
Stakeholders at the meeting resolved to collectively protect manholes, fibre optic cables, rail sleepers, power installations and other critical infrastructure in their communities.
Representative of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Uzi Ihonde also pledged support for continued public sensitisation.
He said joint campaigns would help reduce vandalism and protect national infrastructure across communities. NAN
