Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has pledged continued support for security agencies to protect lives, property and critical national assets ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Sule made the pledge on Friday in Lafia during a public lecture organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The lecture marked the first anniversary of the NSCDC state commandant, Brah Samson-Umoru.

It was held under the theme: ‘Building a Safer Nasarawa State: The Role of NSCDC in Protecting Lives, Property, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure During the 2027 General Election.’

Mr Sule, represented by Mohammed Iliyasu-Idde, permanent secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Office of the secretary to the state government, commended the NSCDC.

He said effective security required preparedness and prevention, rather than merely responding to threats after they occurred.

“As we approach the 2027 election, the importance of effective security cannot be overemphasised,” Mr Sule said.

He said elections were essential to democratic governance and required a peaceful environment for their successful conduct.

Mr Sule identified power installations, telecommunications facilities, water resources and INEC facilities as critical assets requiring protection against vandalism and sabotage.

He urged security personnel to remain professional and impartial while discharging their responsibilities before, during and after the elections.

The governor said his administration would strengthen partnerships, facilitate inter-agency cooperation and support security agencies within available resources.

Mr Samson-Umoru thanked the state government for providing an enabling environment and supporting the NSCDC command to discharge its responsibilities.

He attributed the command’s achievements during his first year to the support of traditional rulers, security agencies and residents.

“All citizens are national assets. And we are saddled with the responsibility of protecting these national assets,” Samson-Umoru said.

He also thanked the commissioner of police, State Security Service and other security heads for their cooperation and inter-agency synergy.

The Chun Mada, Samson Gamu-Yare, represented the traditional rulers and congratulated Mr Samson-Umoru on his first anniversary.

Mr Gamu-Yare assured the command of continued collaboration while highlighting the NSCDC’s growing responsibilities in protecting communities and national assets.

He said traditional rulers and Nigerians increasingly relied on NSCDC personnel following the withdrawal of some security personnel from VIP protection.

Mr Gamu-Yare commended NSCDC personnel for their discipline and professionalism, saying he had never regretted any encounter with them.

The guest lecturer, Ezekiel Onibiyo, from the Office of the National Security Adviser, spoke on “Security and National Assets”.

Mr Onibiyo said protecting national assets was synonymous with peacebuilding and urged the NSCDC to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers.

He commended the Nasarawa State command’s expansion and performance, noting that the NSA had profiled the command following reports of arrests and asset protection.

He cited arrests linked to rail-track vandalism and kidnapping, as well as the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and fibre-optic networks supporting election operations.

Mr Onibiyo criticised the prosecution of vandals in Magistrate Courts, saying lenient penalties could encourage offenders to return to criminal activities.

He said some offenders paid fines as low as N20,000 before returning to the same activities, calling for stronger prosecution and deterrent penalties.

The week-long anniversary programme featured a peace walk and public sensitisation campaign.

It also included interfaith prayers and free medical services for 300 vulnerable residents of Lafia. 

(NAN)