Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Mr. Agun Gbenga, has called for a collective effort in protecting the nation’s assets.
Gbenga made the call in Benin on Tuesday at a Stakeholders Meeting on Collaboratory Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), organised by the state command and attended by other sister security agencies, representatives of telecommunication companies, BEDC, TCN, community leaders, among others.
The state commandant, who described the programme’s theme as timely and underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in protecting national assets, emphasised the imperative of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.
He said, “Our nation’s progress and prosperity depend heavily on the uninterrupted operation of these vital systems, from power plants to transportation networks, communication systems to water treatment facilities.”
Gbenga, who lamented that “these assets are not without risk, threats, both internal and external,” stressed: “It is our duty as guardians of these assets to stay ahead of these threats and ensure the continuity of our nation’s essential services.”
The state commandant, who warned that “cyber attacks, terrorism, sabotage, and other malicious activities pose significant challenges to the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure,” expressed confidence that “our collective efforts will yield significant benefits for our great state.”
On his part, DCC Sule Muhammad, the Head of Department, CNAI, NSCDC, Edo State Command, emphasised the need for regular and adequate surveillance of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
On his part, Lieutenant Colonel Devid Aghedo (rtd.) Chief Security Officer, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), who lamented that “vandalism is the most common threat to our operations,” disclosed that “people who carry out this act of vandalism are enlightened and well-read, not the common man.”
Also speaking, Engineer Matthew Ariyibi, Assistant General Manager, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Benin Region, said, “The activities of scavengers pose threats to our operations,” warning, “don’t erect any shop under our towers, it is for our own safety.”
