The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has warned welders and scrap dealers in Badagry against buying and selling vandalised public infrastructure, stressing that those involved in such activities would face the full weight of the law.
The Corps also condemned the increasing cases of vandalism of educational infrastructure in some schools within the Badagry axis, urging residents to protect public facilities against destruction by criminal elements.
The warning was issued during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the NSCDC Badagry Division for members of the Welders and Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders at the divisional headquarters on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The engagement was part of efforts to implement the National Protection Policy and Strategy (NPPS) 2024 on Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection (CNAIP).
The initiative followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened on October 13, 2026, by the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, FNARC, involving the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Scrap Dealers and Employers Association, and the Nigeria Welders Association.
The meeting focused on finding lasting solutions to the persistent vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure, including manhole covers, oil and gas pipelines, electricity installations, telecommunications and fibre-optic cables, railings, railway sleepers, and road and bridge barricades.
Following the State Commandant’s directive, the Badagry Division extended the sensitisation campaign to members of the relevant associations and other stakeholders within its area of responsibility.
Addressing participants, the Divisional Officer of the NSCDC, Badagry Division, Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga, outlined the Corps’ statutory mandate, particularly its responsibility for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
He used the opportunity to sensitise the stakeholders on the dangers and legal implications of purchasing and selling vandalised materials, warning that ignorance of the law would not excuse anyone involved in criminal activities.
Ekunola also expressed concern over the reported vandalism of educational infrastructure in some schools within the area, urging residents to take ownership of public facilities and protect them from destruction by unscrupulous individuals.
He called on community members to safeguard public utilities, stressing that such facilities belonged to everyone and should not be allowed to fall victim to the activities of vandals.
In their response, members of the Welders and Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria who attended the meeting pledged their full support for the NSCDC’s efforts to curb the menace.
They promised to strengthen cooperation and establish a sincere partnership with the Corps to end the purchase and sale of vandalised materials, activities often associated with some members of their trade.
The stakeholders further pledged to join the NSCDC in the fight against infrastructure vandalism and ensure that any member found engaging in such criminal activities was reported and made to face the full consequences of the law.
