By Ikemefuna Asika, Awka
The Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, Edwin Osuala , has vowed to stamp out vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, CNAI, through proactive and pragmatic measures emplaced in Anambra State.
Osuala stated this in a paper titled, “Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure: A Collective Responsibility” at a capacity development workshop organized by Nigerian Hunter & Forest Security Service (NHFSS) for its South East operatives in Anambra State.
Osuala who was represented by Edwin Okadigbo, the Commands Public Relations Officer, maintained that the command would stand firm on its core mandate as the lead agency statutorily responsible for protecting all CNAIs such as oil pipelines and refineries, power installation, transportation, telecommunications and information communication technology, dams, education facilities and so on .
According to him, the protection of critical assets and Infrastructure is so vital that any incapacity and or destruction of any may have a weakening impact on the economy hence the command will leave no stone unturned in the quest for its protection.
” CNAI are essential assets, services and system that support economic, political and social life of a nation. Securing them is a task everyone must key into and that is why all stakeholders, community leaders and residents are to take proper ownership of public infrastructure and assets within their domain, preserve, and protect them from vandals, hooligans and thieves” he said.
Osuala admonished citizens to have a positive attitude towards proper maintenance and protection of public infrastructure within their domain to prevent government spending huge resources on repairs and reconstructions. He called on members of the public not to condone any act of theft or vandalism in their locality, but report to the nearest security agency if any of such is observed.
” NSCDC has shown competence in the protection of critical national assets against wanton vandalism. But we cannot do it alone. We need people to provide us quality and credible actionable intelligence to safeguard these assets” he concluded.
