Abuja: Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command to improve on its intelligence gathering in the territory. Ali made this call during a visit by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, to his office on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ali urged the NSCDC to go beyond arrests and be more proactive by engaging Nigerians, pantaker operators, and even arrested vandals to gather information that could prevent acts of vandalism. He expressed concern over the vandalism of Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI), particularly the destruction of manholes and theft of manhole covers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ali noted that the roads leading to the NAN office have been especially affected by vandalism. He pointed out that the presence of willing buyers creates a market for stolen goods, highlighting the importance of the NSCDC’s crackdown on pantaker operators. Furthermore, Ali called on NSCDC personnel to maintain civility in their duties, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between NAN and the corps to achieve their objectives.
The NAN MD commended Commandant Odumosu for his efforts since taking office and assured him of NAN’s support. Earlier, Odumosu stated that the purpose of his visit was to strengthen the existing partnership between the NSCDC and NAN. He acknowledged the cooperation and publicity provided by NAN, which aids in communicating the NSCDC’s efforts to the public.
Odumosu revealed that investigations have shown that most vandalism in the FCT is perpetrated by scavengers, known locally as baban bola. He declared a commitment to tackle vandalism and highlighted the importance of NAN’s support in these efforts.
The NSCDC commandant mentioned that there is a ban on scavengers’ activities, restricting them to dump sites, and expressed hope for policies and laws to support their field efforts. Odumosu also emphasized the need for public support in protecting CNAI, stating that it should not be the sole responsibility of the Federal Government or security agencies.