The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has intensified its grassroots engagement campaign across the Oshodi–Isolo, Ejigbo and Isolo Divisions, urging residents and key stakeholders to promptly report cases of vandalism affecting transformers, rail lines, telecommunications facilities, pipelines, schools and other critical infrastructure.
The protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), which covers the oil and gas, transportation, power and energy, telecommunications, education and health sectors, remains one of the core statutory mandates of the NSCDC.
In line with this mandate, the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, has consistently demonstrated strong commitment through strategic operational deployments and a whole of society approach to combat vandalism, illegal dredging, illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage.
Consequently, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, directed before the end of 2025 that all Divisional Offices across the state should cascade the community engagement campaign on CNAI protection to the grassroots within their Areas of Responsibility.
Acting on this directive, the Oshodi–Isolo, Ejigbo and Isolo Divisions organized a strategic stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, at the Oshodi–Isolo Local Government Area Hall.
Representing the State Commandant at the event, the Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye, stated that the engagement was designed to bring the campaign against vandalism, illegal mining, illegal dredging and unlawful scrap dealings closer to the people at the community level.
He emphasized the need for collaboration among traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, market associations, religious leaders, security agencies, telecommunications operators, electricity distribution companies and local security networks in safeguarding infrastructure that supports the safety, stability and economic wellbeing of Lagos State.
The Commandant further urged stakeholders to report suspicious activities and incidents of vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office to ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of offenders.
The Executive Chairman of Oshodi–Isolo Local Government Area, Hon. Almorouf Kehinde Oloyede, represented by his Chief Security Officer, commended the NSCDC for creating a platform where security concerns can be openly discussed. He reaffirmed the Chairman’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure within the local government and assured the Corps of continued support in fulfilling its mandate.
Traditional rulers present at the event described the initiative as timely and impactful. They pledged their commitment to strengthening community based efforts aimed at curbing vandalism and protecting public assets within their domains.
Also speaking, the Security Specialist from Ikeja Electric Headquarters, Alausa, Mr. Darlington Ekhnomy, condemned all forms of vandalism and stressed the importance of community vigilance. He expressed confidence in the NSCDC’s capacity to prosecute offenders and encouraged residents to provide credible information on the theft of fiber optic cables, transformers, masts and other installations.
Stakeholders unanimously resolved to take collective responsibility for safeguarding manholes, fiber optic cables, rail sleepers, power installations and telecommunications facilities against criminal elements.
The representative of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Oshodi–Isolo Branch, assured the Corps of the youths’ readiness to support efforts toward protecting critical infrastructure and pledged to disseminate the message throughout the community.
Members of the Scrap Dealers Association also participated in the engagement. They highlighted their contributions to job creation and socio economic development while promising to work closely with the NSCDC and other security agencies to report non compliant members and prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into their trade.
The Area Commander, Area A Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps Ariyibi Oke Seyi, alongside the Divisional Officers of Oshodi–Isolo, Ejigbo and Isolo Divisions, participated actively in the interactive session with stakeholders.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Scrap Dealers Association, Ikeja Electric, Community Development Associations, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Iyaloja General and other community groups.
As a mark of appreciation, the Lagos State Commandant, represented by DCC Kolawole Agbetiloye, presented souvenirs to the representative of the Executive Chairman of Oshodi–Isolo LGA on behalf of the outgoing Divisional Officer of Oshodi–Isolo Division, Assistant Commandant of Corps Joseph Ogunyinka, as well as the Divisional Officers of Ejigbo and Isolo Divisions, in recognition of the Chairman’s unwavering support to the Corps.