Headline:

By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of telecommunications infrastructure across the state, assuring IHS Nigeria of sustained collaboration in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

The State Commandant, CC Chinedu F. Igbo, received the Director of Security of IHS Nigeria, retired AIG, Dr. Ahmed Iliyasu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Asaba.

Speaking during the visit, AIG Iliyasu described the engagement as more than a routine courtesy call, characterising it as a “collaborative visit” aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between IHS and the NSCDC. He commended the Corps for its outstanding contributions since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations.

The IHS security chief expressed appreciation to Commandant Igbo and his officers for their professionalism, dedication, and the cordial working relationship that has continued to exist between the telecommunications company and the NSCDC in Delta State.

In his response, Commandant Igbo, accompanied by the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) and other departmental heads, welcomed the IHS delegation and reiterated the Command’s resolve to combat vandalism and other threats to critical infrastructure despite prevailing operational challenges.

He emphasized that, as the lead agency responsible for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the NSCDC remains committed to working closely with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure the safety and security of strategic national assets across the state.

The Commandant further advised IHS to consider engaging the services of NSCDC-licensed Private Guard Companies to provide additional security at its Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and other telecommunications facilities. According to him, such a measure would complement existing security arrangements and help reduce incidents of vandalism, theft, and sabotage.

Highlighting recent achievements by the Command, Commandant Igbo disclosed that the newly inaugurated CNAI Surveillance and Monitoring Team has already begun yielding positive results. He cited the recent arrest and parade of five suspected electric cable vandals as evidence of the Command’s proactive approach to protecting critical infrastructure.

He assured the IHS delegation that the Delta State Command would continue to provide the necessary support and security coverage required to safeguard telecommunications facilities across the state, while urging the company to remain committed to the terms of the existing MoU.

The visit further underscored the strong partnership between NSCDC and IHS Nigeria, as both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to Nigerians.