By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security MonitorENUGU, October 29, 2026

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, has inaugurated the Civil Defence Security and Anti Vandalism Club (CDSAVC) in schools, urging students to take an active role in protecting public infrastructure and combating vandalism.The initiative was unveiled on Thursday by the Enugu State Commandant of the Corps, Dr Elijah Willie, under the theme, “Remodelling Nigerian Students Towards Sustainable National Security.”

The programme attracted representatives of the state Ministry of Education, community stakeholders and more than 200 students from over 40 secondary schools across the state.Willie explained that the club was established to promote patriotism, discipline, vigilance, respect for public property and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians. He said the initiative would educate students on the importance of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including electricity installations, pipelines, communication facilities, public buildings and educational institutions.The commandant warned that vandalism destroys public investments, disrupts essential services and diverts resources that could otherwise be channelled into development. He stressed that protecting public infrastructure should not be left to security agencies alone but should involve individuals, schools and communities.

According to him, the initiative would equip students with the knowledge to identify potential security threats, recognise suspicious activities and report them through appropriate channels. He clarified that the programme was not intended to turn students into security operatives or encourage them to confront suspected criminals.Willie commended the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for approving and supporting the initiative, noting that the programme would broaden community participation in the fight against vandalism and strengthen the network of information available to security agencies.Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, represented by a director in the ministry, Mrs Uju Ozoh, praised the NSCDC for introducing security education into schools. He assured the Corps of the ministry’s support for the successful implementation and expansion of the programme across the state.The club’s patron, Chief Donald Ekete, urged the students to demonstrate patriotism by protecting public property and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

He encouraged them to use the reporting channels provided by the NSCDC rather than confront suspected vandals. Ekete also pledged continued support for the initiative and donated ₦1 million towards the publication of the CDSAVC guidelines booklet for club members.Also speaking, Dr Joseph Nwatu, Head of the Environmental Management Department, Faculty of Environmental Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, said the initiative was designed to rekindle patriotism among students and establish an additional layer of community based security through responsible information sharing. He expressed optimism that the programme would contribute to efforts to reduce vandalism in the state.The inauguration concluded with the participation of students from more than 40 secondary schools, with over 200 students taking an oath of allegiance to the club.

The NSCDC said the initiative would strengthen public awareness, encourage responsible citizenship and promote cooperation between young people and security agencies in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.The Corps also urged parents, teachers, school administrators and community leaders to support the programme by encouraging students to respect public property and report security concerns responsibly.