By John Elason, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has raised concerns over increasing public indifference to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, warning that community silence and inaction are enabling acts of vandalism and economic sabotage.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, stated this during a session at the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute in Abuja. He emphasised that effective security cannot be achieved without the active involvement of citizens.

He explained that key national assets, including oil pipelines, power installations, and telecommunications facilities, are situated within local communities, placing residents in a strategic position to observe and report suspicious activities.

According to him, failure by community members to respond to early warning signs often allows minor incidents to develop into major security breaches with significant economic and social consequences.

The Commandant General reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to its statutory responsibility of safeguarding critical infrastructure, but stressed that long term success depends on collective responsibility and public vigilance.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Corps to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, aimed at improving coordination and delivering intelligence driven responses to emerging threats.

He added that government is intensifying measures to ensure stricter penalties for offenders and more effective prosecution, noting that accountability remains a key deterrent against sabotage.

He urged Nigerians to adopt a proactive approach to infrastructure protection, stressing that safeguarding national assets is a shared civic responsibility essential to economic stability and national development.