The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has instructed all State Commandants and their personnel to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure in light of the upcoming nationwide protest.
A nationwide protest, scheduled for August 1 to 10, has been creating considerable tension and eliciting diverse reactions from Nigerians.
Various groups involved in organising the protest have indicated that it was triggered by the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties experienced by the public.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, through a statement from the Corps’ Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi on Friday, underscored the core mandate of the organisation.
He highlighted the NSCDC’s dedication to protecting vital infrastructure, including oil pipelines, electrical power installations, communication equipment, and railway facilities.
Additionally, Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to the Safe Schools Initiative and all government-provided utilities designed for public convenience and comfort. Under his leadership, the NSCDC remains fully devoted to ensuring the security and safety of these essential services.
The statement read in part, “The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR, has reiterated the stance of the Corps in line with its core mandates concerning the proposed nationwide protest, affirming that the NSCDC will not allow any act of violence, disruption of peace, law and order, destruction of properties, looting, vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure, amongst others.
“Dr Audi emphasised the core mandate of the NSCDC, noting that under his watch, the Corps is wholly committed to the protection of oil pipelines, electrical power installations, communication equipment, railway gadgets, the Safe Schools Initiative, and all utilities provided by the government for the comfort of the masses and public consumption.
“He noted that any act of destruction or vandalism of these critical assets and infrastructure would have a debilitating effect on the economy of the nation and the Corps, having upscaled its intelligence and operational mechanism, is ready to combat any attack against government infrastructure.”
The NSCDC Commandant General acknowledged that the current difficulties are not unique to Nigeria.
However, he cautioned Nigerian youths to avoid being manipulated by anonymous and anti-government figures who may have hidden agendas and ulterior motives behind organising such protests.
The statement continued, “The NSCDC is a Federal Government paramilitary agency with statutory roles and responsibilities, and we remain the lead agency in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure across the nation.
“Consequently, I have directed all State Commandants, Provosts of Colleges, and Heads of various formations to be on red alert, ensuring that the protection of all critical infrastructure and assets is taken very seriously.
“Our commitment to the protection of the lives and property of the Nigerian people is paramount, and we will not fold our arms and allow some fifth columnists to instigate Nigerians and its youth against the Federal Government under the pretence of staging demonstrations or protests.
“Notably, the present economic hardship is not limited to Nigeria alone; it is a global phenomenon that nations of the world are facing serious and critical economic downturns, including inflation and food supply shortages occasioned by climatic and environmental changes and other factors which the government in power is making concerted efforts to resolve while ameliorating the pains of the people.”
He urged cooperation and patience with the government through dialogue, purposeful engagement, and non-violent methods.
Additionally, the NSCDC leader encouraged student organisations nationwide to reconsider and utilise the Student Loan Scheme, which offers interest-free loans designed to support Nigerian youths in pursuing both formal education and vocational training.
It stated, “While we wish to acknowledge the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to hold peaceful protests, it has been clearly proved, and indicators have shown that desperate criminals and non-state actors may hijack the proposed protests.
“Based on the foregoing, the NSCDC and other security agencies are working in synergy to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order, state of anarchy, pandemonium, vandalism, robbery or breach of public peace.”