The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Agun Gbenga, has called for collective action in protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure.

Gbenga made the appeal in Benin City on Tuesday during a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Collaborative Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), organised by the state command and attended by representatives of sister security agencies, telecommunication companies, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and community leaders.

Describing the programme’s theme as timely, the commandant underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in safeguarding assets vital to national development.

“Our nation’s progress and prosperity depend heavily on the uninterrupted operation of these vital systems, from power plants to transportation networks, communication systems to water treatment facilities,” he said.

While lamenting the threats facing critical infrastructure, including cyberattacks, terrorism, sabotage, and vandalism, Gbenga stressed the duty of all stakeholders to stay ahead of such risks to guarantee the continuity of essential services. He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would deliver significant benefits to Edo State and the country at large.

In his contribution, DCC Sule Muhammad, Head of the CNAI Department, Edo State Command, emphasised the need for regular and adequate surveillance of the nation’s infrastructure.

Also speaking, retired Lieutenant Colonel Devid Aghedo, Chief Security Officer of BEDC, noted that vandalism remained the most common challenge facing power distribution. He revealed that perpetrators of vandalism were often educated individuals rather than ordinary citizens.

Engineer Matthew Ariyibi, Assistant General Manager of TCN, Benin Region, added that scavengers posed a major threat to power installations, warning against the erection of shops beneath transmission towers for public safety.