In response to the upcoming nationwide protest, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has instructed all State Commandants and their personnel to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure. The protest, scheduled from August 1 to 10, has heightened tensions and provoked diverse reactions across the country.
Various groups organizing the protest have cited the rising cost of living and widespread economic hardships as the driving factors behind the demonstrations.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, through a statement by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi on Friday, reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to its core mandate of protecting vital infrastructure such as oil pipelines, electrical power installations, communication equipment, and railway facilities.
Additionally, Audi emphasized the Corps’ dedication to the Safe Schools Initiative and other government-provided utilities designed for public convenience and comfort. Under his leadership, the NSCDC is fully committed to ensuring the security and safety of these essential services.
“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. He affirmed that the NSCDC will not tolerate any acts of violence, disruption of peace, destruction of properties, looting, or vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure,” the statement read.
Dr. Audi highlighted that any act of destruction or vandalism against these critical assets would severely impact the nation’s economy. He noted that the NSCDC, having enhanced its intelligence and operational mechanisms, is prepared to combat any threats to government infrastructure.
Acknowledging the economic challenges, which are not unique to Nigeria, Audi cautioned Nigerian youths against being manipulated by anonymous and anti-government figures with hidden agendas behind organizing the protests.
“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 high alert, ensuring the protection of all critical infrastructure and assets,” Audi stated.
“Our commitment to protecting the lives and property of the Nigerian people is paramount. 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. The present economic hardship is not limited to Nigeria alone; it is a global phenomenon caused by various factors including climatic and environmental changes, which the government is working to address.”
Audi urged citizens to cooperate and be patient with the government, advocating for dialogue, purposeful engagement, and non-violent methods.
Additionally, he encouraged student organizations to consider the Student Loan Scheme, which offers interest-free loans to support Nigerian youths in pursuing formal education and vocational training.
“While we acknowledge the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to hold peaceful protests, evidence suggests that desperate criminals and non-state actors may hijack the proposed protests. Therefore, the NSCDC and other security agencies are working together to prevent any breakdown of law and order, state of anarchy, vandalism, robbery, or breach of public peace,” the statement concluded.
