Lagos: NSCDC engages 56 communities to protect power, critical assets

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has conducted 56 community engagements across the state in 2026 as part of efforts to protect critical infrastructure and prevent vandalism of public assets.

The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed this ov the weekend in Lagos, stressing that the engagements were designed to deepen cooperation between security agencies, communities and critical infrastructure operators.

Keshinro said the sensitisation programmes focused on the need for residents and other stakeholders to provide timely intelligence and information that could help security agencies protect electricity installations, cables, communication systems, energy infrastructure and other vital public assets.

He made the disclosure when he hosted the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Mrs Sheri Adegbenro, who was represented at the meeting by the company’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bolaji Simon.

According to Keshinro, the NSCDC is committed to strengthening its partnership with EKEDC through the deployment of digital technology to complement traditional physical security measures.

He said improved technology and information sharing would enhance coordination between the Corps and the electricity distribution company while making it more difficult for vandals and criminals to target critical infrastructure.

The Commandant said the 56 community engagements formed part of the Command’s broader strategy of taking security awareness directly to communities, particularly areas where critical infrastructure is vulnerable to vandalism and theft.

He urged residents to see the protection of public infrastructure as a collective responsibility, noting that the destruction or theft of electricity facilities ultimately affects households, businesses and the wider economy.

Speaking on behalf of the EKEDC chief executive, Simon called for stronger collaboration with the NSCDC to safeguard the company’s assets and other critical infrastructure across Lagos.

He noted that protecting power installations was essential to maintaining stable electricity supply to residents and businesses.
The partnership, he added, would help address threats including vandalism, theft and attacks on electricity infrastructure.

The NSCDC plays a leading role in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAIP) across the country.

The Lagos Command said its renewed collaboration with EKEDC was therefore aimed at strengthening preventive security measures, improving intelligence gathering and reducing attacks on public utilities.

The engagement is also in line with the Corps’ statutory mandate on the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as provided under the NSCDC Amendment Act of 2007 and the National Protection Policy and Strategy (NPPS) 2024.

The Command said it would continue to engage communities and critical infrastructure stakeholders as part of efforts to protect essential services and ensure that criminal activities do not undermine electricity supply and other public utilities.