The growing threat to critical national infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory has prompted the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to demand stronger preventive and intelligence-based measures.
FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, made the call on Friday during the closing of a two-day training on the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure for Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and other personnel.
Represented by his deputy, Odumosu urged officers to adopt a standardised approach that combines intelligence, technology and coordinated operations rather than relying on reactive measures.
He described power grids, pipelines, railways, telecommunications facilities, water treatment plants and government institutions as essential components of the country’s economy, governance and national security.
“Effective CNAI protection should be anchored on prevention through intelligence-driven prevention, physical security, technology integration, stakeholder collaboration, prosecution and deterrence.
“This training exposes participants to critical areas, including information and intelligence gathering, surveillance-driven patrols, suspects’ handling, legal procedures and preservation of exhibits”, he said.
Odumosu urged the officers to regard themselves as guardians of national continuity, stressing that their duties went beyond securing physical structures.
He called for improved early-warning systems, community engagement, private security intelligence and technical surveillance to detect threats before they materialise.
The commandant also stressed that infrastructure protection required the collective efforts of government agencies, asset owners, private security companies, host communities and other security organisations.
“Asset owners, private security companies, host communities and sister security agencies must strengthen collaboration, information sharing and coordinated responses”, he said.
He further called for effective prosecution and deterrence, noting that arrests without prosecution could weaken efforts to combat vandalism and other infrastructure-related crimes.
Odumosu expressed particular concern over the rising destruction of fibre-optic infrastructure, warning that the trend could undermine the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.
