Headline:

By Staff Report

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State Command, has launched a statewide public awareness campaign to educate residents on the safety of telecommunication masts during the rainy season and the importance of protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the State Commandant, Commandant Mohammed Hassan Agalama, IION, cautioned members of the public against tampering with telecommunication masts, underground cables, power installations and other telecommunications facilities. He described such acts as economic sabotage capable of endangering public safety and disrupting essential services.

Commandant Agalama noted that heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds commonly experienced during the rainy season could pose significant risks around telecommunication installations. He urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid seeking shelter under telecommunication masts during storms, and promptly report any damaged or suspicious installations to the nearest NSCDC office or other relevant authorities.

According to him, telecommunications infrastructure remains one of the nation’s most vital assets, providing the backbone for communication, security operations, emergency response services, banking transactions and economic activities. He stressed that safeguarding these facilities is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all citizens.

To ensure the success of the initiative, the Commandant directed all 44 Divisional Officers across Kano State to immediately take the campaign to communities at the grassroots level. He tasked them with engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, youth groups, schools, religious institutions and other stakeholders on the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure and observe safety measures during adverse weather conditions.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) across the state and warned that anyone caught vandalising or interfering with telecommunication facilities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Commandant Agalama also appealed to residents to support the Corps by providing credible and timely information that would help prevent vandalism and ensure uninterrupted telecommunications services throughout Kano State.

The campaign is being coordinated by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection Department of the Kano State Command, headed by Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Victor Bala Muhd, who has been mandated to ensure its effective implementation and success across the state.