The Kebbi State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned residents of the Koko-Besse Local Government Area against vandalising national assets.

The command, led by the state commandant, Abubakar Kabiru-Alkammawa, held a town hall meeting with civil society organisations and network providers at the palace of the District Head of Koko-Besse on Friday.

The meeting was to sensitise residents on the consequences of vandalising national assets.

Leaders of ‘Jari-Bola’ scavengers, Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDCO), Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Koko-Besse Development Association, and commercial motorcyclists attended the meeting.

Addressing the residents, the commandant, represented by Deputy Commandant Florence Adepoju, in charge of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, said anyone caught vandalising national assets would be arraigned at the Federal High Court and risk 25 years’ imprisonment.

“We are here in Koko to interact with our people on the consequences of vandalising national assets. This meeting is a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser, which mandates the NSCDC to prosecute anyone caught vandalising national assets.

“These national assets include cables, network providers’ masts, electricity stations, poles, and transformers, among others. It is a capital offence to vandalise such assets,” he said.

He explained that vandalising national assets affects national security, the economy, and human lives.

“Our hospitals need light, and airports need electricity for planes to land. Without electricity and networks, public trust will be lost.

“We are urging you, especially ‘Jari-Bola’, to tell your members to stop vandalising national assets,” he warned.

In his remarks, the chairman of Koko-Besse local government, Suraju Saliu, disclosed that nine transformers were vandalised in the Koko area, resulting in a seven-month blackout.

Mr Saliu said he and some council members contributed money to repair three of the nine vandalised transformers to restore electricity to their communities.

He pledged his total support for the NSCDC in ending the incessant vandalism of national assets.

Earlier, the national chairman of Grassroots Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG), Muhammad Anache, said both the state and federal governments had begun installing a 3.5MW solar plant to provide an alternative power supply to the people.

Mr Anache said national assets belong to all citizens, not just the government.

He urged residents to report anyone suspected of vandalising national assets to the NSCDC immediately and to support government efforts to provide necessary facilities in the state.

(NAN)