The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, held a stakeholders’ engagement with communities under Area D Command in Badagry, as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
The Area D Command covers Otto Awori, Ojo, Iba, Olohunda and Badagry divisions. The meeting was organised in line with the Corps’ mandate to safeguard assets and infrastructure that are vital to the socio economic wellbeing of the people and the nation.
Speaking at the engagement, the NSCDC reaffirmed that the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) remains one of its core statutory responsibilities. These assets include, but are not limited to, oil and gas facilities, transportation systems, power and energy installations, telecommunications, education and health infrastructure.
The Corps noted that the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, remains committed to a blend of operational strategies and a whole of society approach to combat vandalism, illegal dredging, illegal mining and other acts of sabotage against the nation’s economic resources.
The Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, described the stakeholder engagement as timely and necessary, stressing that feedback from communities is critical in addressing vandalism and related crimes. He was represented by the Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye.
According to DCC Agbetiloye, community engagements help to take the campaign against vandalism, illegal dredging, illegal mining and unlawful scrap dealings closer to the grassroots, where early intelligence and cooperation are most effective.
He specifically charged the Scrap Dealers Association of Badagry West, led by its Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Dogo, to properly regulate the activities of its members and ensure strict compliance with the law. He warned that erring members should be sanctioned and deregistered where necessary to protect the integrity of the association.
The Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Honourable Rauf Ibrahim Yemaren, represented at the event, urged community stakeholders to continue supporting security agencies in the discharge of their duties. He commended the NSCDC for convening the forum to address issues central to the area’s socio economic survival.
Traditional rulers also expressed support for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of traditional institutions, the Agoloto of Badagry, Dr Hundogan, described the engagement as a step in the right direction and stated clearly that traditional rulers in Badagry and its environs do not harbour criminals.
Other security agencies present also praised the initiative. The Commander 653, Nigerian Air Force Station, Group Captain Humphrey Magudu, commended the NSCDC and the Lagos State Commandant for promoting inter agency cooperation and grassroots engagement. He called for more such forums to find lasting solutions to vandalism in Lagos State.
Similarly, the Comptroller of Customs, Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, encouraged the Corps to sustain sensitisation and enlightenment programmes. He noted that security agencies in Badagry operate with unity of purpose to curb the activities of criminal elements.
Youth representatives also pledged support. The National Youth Council of Nigeria, through its representative, Comrade Aladeotan David, assured the Corps of the commitment of youths to the protection of critical assets. He appealed for greater youth involvement in security related programmes, noting the vital role of young people in community peace and development.
The Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association of Badagry, Mr Ibrahim Dogo, called on all stakeholders to join hands with the NSCDC to fight vandalism. He assured that the association would continue to collaborate with security agencies to discipline and expel erring members.
The Area Commander, Area D Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps Salisu Daura, was present alongside Divisional Officers and personnel. They responded to questions from participants and addressed concerns raised during the meeting.
The Divisional Officer of Badagry Division, Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga, assured participants of open communication channels and rolled out contact details to enable the public report issues within the Corps’ areas of responsibility.
The event attracted goodwill messages from representatives of Badagry West LCDA, traditional rulers, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, National Agricultural Quarantine Service, Christian Association of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Neighbourhood Corps, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Community Development Associations, market leaders and other stakeholders.