The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun has warned against vandalising critical national assets during the planned nationwide protest.

The state’s corps commandant, Michael Adaralewa, stated this in a statement by its spokesman, Kehinde Adeleke, on Sunday in Osogbo.

He urged the protesters, especially the youths, to be law-abiding and refrain from vandalising critical national assets in their domains.

Mr Adaralewa said the protection of national assets was a core mandate of the corps, adding that personnel had been deployed to protect critical infrastructure such as petroleum and gas pipelines, communication masts, rail tracks, roads, and bridges.

He tasked area commanders and divisional officers of the corps to take the assignment seriously, discharge their duties with a high level of professionalism, and work in synergy with other sister agencies in the state.

Mr Adaralewa assured members of the public of their safety as they go about their legitimate businesses, adding that necessary measures had been implemented to forestall any attempt to break down law and order.

The commander said vandalism by miscreants, who planned to capitalise on the peaceful protest to destroy critical national assets, would be resisted.

‘’It is our collective responsibility to protect critical infrastructure in our domains. We must not allow hoodlums to destroy our collective wealth, all in the name of protest.

“I appeal to intending protesters to express their grievances through lawful and peaceful means and to avoid engaging in any activities that can compromise national security and public safety,” he said.

Adaralewa also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against being used by individuals seeking to incite trouble under the guise of peaceful protest, warning that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

(NAN)