The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos state Command, has issued a warning to scrap dealers and welders against engaging in the buying and selling of vandalised public infrastructure. This warning was delivered during a stakeholders' engagement organised by the Badagry Divisional Office of the NSCDC. The meeting, which took place on October 27, 2026, brought together members of the Welders and Scrap Dealers Association of Nigeria and other community stakeholders.
According to the Superintendent of Corps, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the warning was part of efforts to curb the vandalism of public infrastructure. The Divisional Officer, NSCDC Badagry, Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga, led the engagement and sensitised participants on the dangers and legal implications of purchasing or trading in vandalised public property. He emphasised that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
During the engagement, Ekunola Gbenga urged members of the associations to reject stolen infrastructure materials and report individuals involved in vandalism. He stressed that ignorance of the law would not be accepted as an excuse for criminal activities. The NSCDC also expressed concern over the vandalism of educational infrastructure in some schools within the Badagry axis.
Ekunola Gbenga called on residents to take ownership of public facilities and protect government investments against destruction by criminal elements. He emphasised that the protection of public assets required collective responsibility and sustained cooperation between security agencies, trade associations, and community members.
The Badagry engagement was not an isolated event, as it followed an earlier stakeholders' meeting convened by the Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, on October 13. This meeting involved the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, scrap dealers, and welders.
The NSCDC assured the command that members found engaging in such illegal activities would be reported to the appropriate authorities to face the law. The Corps is committed to working with stakeholders to prevent the vandalism of public infrastructure and protect government investments.
The warning is part of the NSCDC's efforts to address the issue of vandalism in Lagos State. The Corps will continue to engage with stakeholders and enforce the law to prevent the buying and selling of vandalised public infrastructure.
Key points
- The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned scrap dealers and welders against buying and selling vandalised public infrastructure.
- The warning was delivered during a stakeholders' engagement organised by the Badagry Divisional Office of the NSCDC on October 27, 2026.
- Offenders will face the full weight of the law if caught engaging in the buying and selling of vandalised public infrastructure.
