The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has intensified its community engagement efforts on the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), extending the initiative to Imota, Ijede, Igbogbo, Ikorodu North and Ikorodu Central areas of the state.
The engagement, organised by Area B Command, held in Ikorodu on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and brought together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in safeguarding public assets against vandalism and sabotage.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, noted that the engagement could not have come at a better time, given the growing need for collective action in protecting national infrastructure. He was represented by the Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye.
Agbetiloye commended stakeholders for their continued partnership with the Corps in confronting economic saboteurs. He specifically charged members of the Scrap Dealers Association within Area B to maintain strict compliance with extant laws, warning that any act capable of undermining the integrity of their businesses would attract the full weight of the law.
Representatives of the Executive Chairmen of Ikorodu Local Government Area and Ikorodu North LCDA, through their respective Chief Security Officers, pledged sustained support for the NSCDC. They urged residents to continue cooperating with the Command to enable it effectively deliver on its statutory mandate.
Also speaking, the representative of IHS Towers, Mrs Chigbu Ijeoma, appealed for stronger collaboration to drastically reduce vandalism of telecom assets. While commending the Command for its efforts in ensuring access to sites and protecting field operators, she stressed the need for collective commitment to achieve the level of protection the industry requires.
Youth and community leaders equally reaffirmed their support. The National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ikorodu, through its representative, Comrade Jackson, pledged the youths’ commitment to protecting CNAI, while the Scrap Dealers Association assured that mechanisms are in place to ensure members’ compliance with government regulations.
In his remarks, the Area Commander, Area B Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps Shola Anerunoye, alongside Divisional Officers under his command, reiterated their determination to tackle vandalism decisively and bring offenders to justice across their areas of responsibility.
The event attracted goodwill messages and participation from traditional leaders, security agencies and community groups, including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, FRSC, CAN, Neighbourhood Corps, NOA, Vigilante Groups, Joint Task Force, Community Development Associations, market leaders and other stakeholders.