Planned protest: NSCDC warns against vandalism of national assets in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, has called on groups, particularly youths, planning to protest in the state to remain law-abiding and refrain from vandalizing critical national assets.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the corps, ASC Kehinde Adeleke, Adaralewa emphasized that the protection of critical national assets is a core mandate of the NSCDC.

“The command has been massively deployed to ensure that infrastructure such as petroleum and gas pipelines, communication masts, railways, roads, and bridges are not vandalized, as they are essential to the economic and social survival of the country,” he said.

He called on Area Commanders and Divisional Officers across the state to take this assignment seriously, discharge their duties with a high level of professionalism, and work in synergy with other sister agencies in the state.

The State Commandant also assured the public of their safety as they go about their legitimate business, stating that necessary measures have been put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order and acts of vandalism by miscreants who might seek to exploit peaceful protests.

“It is our collective responsibility to protect critical infrastructure in our domains. We must not allow hoodlums to destroy our collective wealth in the name of protest. I appeal to intending protesters to express their grievances through lawful and peaceful means and avoid engaging in activities that could compromise national security and public safety,” said Dr. Adaralewa.

The NSCDC Commandant also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against being used by individuals seeking to incite trouble under the guise of peaceful protest, warning that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.