The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has called on residents of the territory to support efforts aimed at protecting public infrastructure from vandalism.
Odumosu made the call while emphasising the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly ongoing development projects being executed by the Federal Government across the FCT.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant said the projects, which represent the dividends of democracy, must be protected by both security agencies and residents to ensure they continue to serve the public.
He stressed that security remains the responsibility of every citizen, urging residents to develop a sense of ownership towards public facilities and report suspicious activities that could threaten them.
“Security operations are intelligent-driven, and we rely heavily on credible information from members of the public. Turning a blind eye when vandalism is taking place is wrong. Residents must be proactive by reporting such acts through our hotlines 08159066244 or 09166229882,” Odumosu said.
He warned that the Corps would not relent in its fight against vandalism, describing the act as a major threat to national development.
The Commandant, who noted that the NSCDC is the lead agency responsible for protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), assured that the Corps would respond swiftly to credible intelligence from the public.
According to him, the FCT would no longer serve as a haven for vandals, as offenders would be made to face the full consequences of the law.
“We are maintaining 24-hour surveillance across the territory, and anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure will be prosecuted accordingly,” he stated.
Odumosu also appealed to operators of Private Guard Companies (PGCs) in the FCT to provide the Command with useful intelligence that could enhance the protection of vital facilities.
He warned that private security companies operating with fake documents, invalid or expired licences would face sanctions, adding that the Command would not tolerate violations of regulatory requirements.
The NSCDC boss disclosed that surveillance of PGCs was ongoing across the territory, with the Command compiling names of companies that had breached operational guidelines ahead of enforcement actions.
He advised operators with expired licences or incomplete documentation to visit the FCT Command to regularise their status or risk arrest and possible sealing of their facilities.
The statement was signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, FCT Command Public Relations Officer.