The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Friday convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to strengthen the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, State Commandant Saidi Akintayo said the engagement was aimed at addressing urgent security concerns affecting the safety and stability of critical assets.
He noted that the NSCDC is mandated to safeguard essential physical and digital installations, including power infrastructure, data centres, communication masts, and transport systems.
“Our responsibility includes protecting facilities from vandalism, sabotage, and unauthorised access,” he said.
“We also conduct continuous threat assessments to detect vulnerabilities and implement proactive strategies before issues escalate into crises.”
Akintayo emphasised that effective protection requires strong collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and inter-agency coordination.
“We will continue to engage stakeholders, build capacity among our personnel, and deploy innovative tactics to prevent vandalism, sabotage, and cyber threats that could compromise national security,” he added.
He explained that evolving threats—whether physical or cyber—make partnerships among government agencies, private organisations, security operatives, and the public essential.
The meeting, he noted, provided a platform to share ideas, coordinate action, and develop a strategic roadmap for enhancing infrastructure resilience in Edo and beyond.
Representatives from several critical sectors attended the meeting.
The Assistant General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin Region, Olusesi Ariyibi, commended the NSCDC for its swift response whenever TCN facilities are vandalised, stressing the importance of synergy among stakeholders.
He warned against tampering with TCN towers, noting that vandalism can trigger power outages, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
Endurance Iyamu, MTN Security Supervisor, urged scrap dealers to partner with telecom operators to protect fibre optic lines from vandalization.
A representative of the Arewa Scrap Dealers Association, Alhaji Sani Muhammed, said the group has begun profiling its members to distinguish legitimate operators from criminals.
“We will sensitise our members on protecting critical assets in the state,” he said.
Chairman of the Heavy Truck Owners, Marketers, and Suppliers Association of Nigeria, Sarahaisu Musa, also applauded the corps, noting that the meeting will help members identify and report suspicious activities.
The event was attended by representatives of the Edo Ministry of Communication and major telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and Smile.
