National Asset Vandals Face 25-Year Jail Term, NSCDC Warns

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will face prosecution and could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.

The warning was issued during a town hall meeting organised by the Kebbi State Command in Koko-Besse Local Government Area to sensitise residents on the consequences of vandalising public infrastructure.

The meeting, held at the palace of the District Head of Koko-Besse, brought together civil society organisations, telecommunications operators, electricity distribution representatives, vigilante groups, scavenger associations and commercial motorcyclists.

Speaking at the event, the State Commandant, Abubakar Kabiru-Alkammawa, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant in charge of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Florence Adepoju, said the campaign followed a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to him, the directive mandates the NSCDC to intensify public awareness and prosecute anyone involved in the destruction or theft of critical national infrastructure.

“We are here in Koko to interact with our people on the consequences of vandalising national assets,” he said.

He explained that critical national assets include electricity transformers, power lines, poles, telecommunications masts, cables and other public infrastructure essential to national development.

According to the command, suspects arrested for vandalism will be arraigned before the Federal High Court, where they risk imprisonment of up to 25 years if convicted.

The NSCDC stressed that attacks on public infrastructure have far-reaching consequences beyond property damage, affecting national security, economic activities and essential public services.

The command noted that electricity disruptions caused by vandalism could cripple hospitals, businesses, schools and other institutions that depend on stable power supply.

“Hospitals will be affected when there is no electricity to treat patients. If we allow our electrical poles to be vandalised and the grid collapses, it will affect healthcare centres and the economy,” the representative said.

The corps urged community leaders, youth groups and residents to protect public infrastructure and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

It added that safeguarding national assets is a shared responsibility necessary to ensure uninterrupted public services, economic stability and national development.