The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) through strengthened collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, October 30, 2025, the State Commandant, CC E.A. Ajayi, emphasized the need for a collective approach in protecting public assets, which he described as the foundation of the nation’s socio economic growth and stability.

Ajayi noted that acts of vandalism, sabotage, and destruction of public infrastructure have far reaching negative effects on peace, security, and development within the state. He said the meeting aimed to address challenges confronting stakeholders and to design a strategic blueprint to combat vandalism across Sokoto.

The Commandant urged all stakeholders to share timely intelligence and report challenges encountered at their operational sites, assuring them that the Command would adopt pragmatic solutions to address such issues effectively.

Commending the participants for their cooperation and continued collaboration, Ajayi called for intensified community based monitoring and reporting of suspicious activities around critical infrastructure facilities.

In his remarks, the Head of CNAI, DCC S. Gana, reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency responsible for the protection of critical national assets in Nigeria. He explained that while the Corps works closely with other security agencies, it holds the statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute offenders involved in vandalism and related crimes.

During the interactive session, stakeholders expressed appreciation for the NSCDC’s proactive measures in tackling vandalism and theft of government property. They also appealed for stronger enforcement and preventive strategies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Commandant Ajayi assured participants of the Corps’ unwavering commitment to securing vital infrastructure, particularly through enhanced collaboration with telecommunications service providers and other key sectors.

The Sokoto Command’s initiative underscores the NSCDC’s proactive stance in addressing security challenges and ensuring the protection of critical national assets, an effort expected to strengthen the overall security architecture of the state.

Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives from Globacom, MTN, Airtel, NCC, T2 Mobile, ATC Nigeria, and senior officers of the Command, including DCC F.F. Awosan (HOD Administration), DCC S. Gana (HOD CNAI), DCC U. Haruna (HOD Intelligence and Investigation), and SC M.A. Yabo (Principal Secretary to the Commandant).

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