The Federal Government has unveiled a strengthened framework aimed at curbing the vandalism of critical national infrastructure, describing asset protection as essential to Nigeria’s economic resilience and internal security.
At a high-level stakeholders’ summit held in Lagos on February 17, 2026, the Director of the Directorate of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection (DCNAIP) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Air Vice Marshal Enabong Effiom, outlined a renewed “whole-of-government” response to infrastructure sabotage.
The summit, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), focused on operational gaps that have limited effective protection of rail networks, telecom installations, and power infrastructure.
Crackdown on Scrap Metal Trade
A core component of the new policy direction targets the scrap metal value chain, which security agencies have identified as a major driver of infrastructure theft.
According to officials, the largely unregulated trade in scrap metals—commonly referred to as “iron condemn”—has created a ready market for stolen railway components, electrical cables, and public utilities equipment.
“If the market for vandalised materials is eliminated, the incentive to steal them will diminish significantly,” AVM Effiom said.
The Federal Government is urging state governments to introduce tighter monitoring and licensing mechanisms for scrap dealers in order to disrupt the resale ecosystem fueling the crime.
Public Awareness and Community Intelligence
Beyond enforcement, authorities plan to address what officials describe as an “awareness deficit” regarding the national cost of infrastructure vandalism.
DCNAIP announced a collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating citizens on the economic and social consequences of asset destruction.
Under the proposed framework, communities will be encouraged to act as early-warning partners by reporting suspicious activity.
This initiative will operate alongside a Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN), designed to enable real-time intelligence exchange between security agencies and private-sector operators, including telecom providers and oil companies.
Technology-Driven Surveillance
In a complementary move, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, recently confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the deployment of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems across major federal highways.
The decision follows pilot surveillance installations on the Third Mainland Bridge, which reportedly led to arrests of individuals attempting to dismantle structural components of the bridge.
Officials believe expanded surveillance will enhance deterrence and improve evidence-based prosecution of offenders.
Sectors Under Threat
Participants at the summit identified several high-risk sectors currently facing sustained attacks:
- Transportation: Repeated dismantling of rail infrastructure along the Warri–Itakpe and Lagos–Ibadan corridors.
- Telecommunications: An estimated 1,700 weekly incidents targeting telecom installations nationwide.
- Power: Ongoing vandalism of transmission towers and distribution cables, contributing to grid instability.
Looking Ahead
Security analysts at the meeting emphasised that long-term success will depend on inter-agency coordination and sustained funding.
The 2026 federal budget review has already prompted calls from the Chief of Defence Staff for expanded capacity within the NSCDC and the Nigeria Police Force to provide static protection for infrastructure assets once military clearance operations are completed.
As Nigeria continues to invest heavily in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure, authorities say safeguarding these assets remains central to achieving economic growth targets and investor confidence.
