The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has held its inaugural engagement meeting with critical stakeholders to strengthen the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the state.
The meeting, which took place in Gombe, brought together key representatives from the petroleum, energy, revenue, telecommunications, education, and public service sectors. It follows directives from the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, and resolutions reached at a national coordination meeting convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) on August 21, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Gombe State Commandant of NSCDC, Jibrin Idris, said the forum was timely and necessary for safeguarding vital national infrastructure. “This engagement aligns with our core mandate of protecting critical national assets. It is only through collaboration and information sharing that we can effectively secure these facilities from threats,” he stated.
He explained that the Corps has already established notification protocols, requiring stakeholders to report arrests involving CNAI-related offenses within 24 hours. “This will ensure prompt response and coordinated action whenever our critical assets are threatened,” Idris added.
Among those in attendance were the State Coordinator of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Terminal Manager of NNPC/NPSC, the Manager of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and representatives from MTN, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and North Eastern University.
A representative of the petroleum sector described the meeting as “a step in the right direction,” noting that vandalism and sabotage have often threatened energy security in the region. “Working closely with NSCDC gives us confidence that protection will be more proactive than reactive,” he said.
Similarly, a participant from the telecommunications sector noted the importance of intelligence sharing. “Our infrastructure is the backbone of communication. Timely reporting and rapid response can save millions in losses and prevent disruptions,” he emphasised.
Idris further revealed that the Corps plans to roll out public awareness campaigns through media channels to sensitise citizens on the importance of protecting national assets. He stressed that the Corps, in collaboration with CNAI operators, is developing additional strategies to ensure robust security across sectors.
