Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Civil Defence responsible for protecting Nigeria’s critical assets: Interior Minister

“With proper efforts, harnessing your efforts with capabilities can reduce the way our Armed Forces are being stretched.”

• September 1, 2023
Civil Defence officers
Civil Defence operatives used to illustrate the story [Photo Credit: Leadership News]

Interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says it is the responsibility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect critical assets of the country.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said this during a maiden visit to the NSCDC headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday.

“I am delighted because I wish Nigerians know a quarter of what you do. Hence, you need to do more publicity with the level of capacity seen today,” the minister noted.

The minister said the security agency should treat Nigerians respectfully, warning that being in uniform is not an excuse to abuse civilians.

According to the minister, the responsibility of NSCDC is distinct.

“It is your responsibility to protect critical national assets and infrastructure; mining sites, hospitals, pipelines and all that makes us who we are, so you have a big responsibility,” said Mr Tunji-Ojo. “With proper efforts, harnessing your efforts with capabilities can reduce the way our Armed Forces are being stretched.”

Mr Tunji-Ojo added, “The era where performance and excellence are absent is over now because when you perform exceptionally, you will be recognised.”

The interior minister urged the security agency to work harder to secure the country.

“Walk the talk. The time for action is now, and with you, I know I will be a successful minister of interior. I need commitment, dedication, patriotism, in line with the agenda of this administration, and we will not just be there for the corps as your job is key,” Mr Tunji-Ojo stressed.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Jimoh Ibrahim

NationWide

Insecurity: Nigeria, UN to deepen West Africa border policing, says envoy 

Mr Ibrahim described the region’s porous borders as a major security challenge.

Rastafarian worshippers

Africa

Kenya dismisses suit seeking legalisation of cannabis for Rastafarian worshippers

They petitioned the court to allow members to grow and use cannabis during worship.

Police officer

States

Two suspects arrested over alleged car theft in Bauchi

The suspects were arrested in an intelligence operation at Yelwa area on July 12, 2026 at 10: 30 p.m.

Atiku Abubakar

NationWide

Kogi Abduction: Atiku decries normalisation of insecurity under Tinubu

The abduction occurred on Tuesday at about 5:25 p.m. when the students were writing their exam.

Ogun state government

States

Ogun, GIZ meet to sustain skills, enterprise initiatives

Ms Sofela reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector-led industrialisation.

Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

NationWide

ITF targets 200,000 artisans under SUPA 2026 programme

Mr Ogun said that the SUPA programme is a presidential initiative.