The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 28,300 tactical operatives across the country to protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the festive season.
“The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the swift deployment of 28,300 tactical operatives to enhance the provision of adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the states of the federation before, during, and after the yuletide seasons,” a statement issued by the NSCDC
Spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said on Friday.
The operatives, drawn from crack squads, special forces, intelligence, anti-vandal, and operations departments, will focus on preventing illegal activities such as petroleum theft, illegal mining, vandalism of power installations, destruction of telecommunication equipment, and other forms of economic sabotage.
Audi urged zonal and state commandants to strengthen their intelligence-gathering capabilities and adopt proactive measures to prevent vandalism and other crimes.
He stressed that the NSCDC, as the lead agency for protecting critical infrastructure, would not tolerate any breaches of its mandate.
Identified flashpoints, including recreational centres, religious gatherings, motor parks, shopping malls, and other public spaces, will be closely monitored.
“The NSCDC remains the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the federation. This is our statutory mandate and must not be compromised. All hands must be on deck as we approach the end of the year. You are aware that criminally minded persons often take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their nefarious activities,” Audi stated.
“I therefore charge you to keep your eagle eyes sharp and reinvigorate your intelligence tactics. This will make you more proactive than reactive,” he added.
The NSCDC is collaborating with other security agencies to prevent any attempts to disrupt public peace or damage government utilities.
The Commandant General assured the public of a peaceful and secure Christmas and New Year celebration. He encouraged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to help apprehend criminal elements.
