The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has set up Special Anti-Vandalism Response Squad to fight criminality in Nasarawa State.

The Nasarawa State command of NSCDC said the move was to reduce criminal activities, especially with regards to vandalism of government properties.

The command said the team of officers would commence a dusk to dawn patrol to checkmate criminality in the state.

The state Commandant, Mr Lawan Bashir-Kano, told newsmen in Lafia on Saturday that the Corps had increased its presence in ministries and local governments.

“Our aim is to provide 24 hours security by patrolling regularly,” he said.

According to Bashir-Kano, another reason the command made the decision is due to the increased destruction to electricity installations in the state.

This, he said, had contributed to hardship caused by the incessant black out presently being experienced.

“Our understanding with AEDC is to provide 24 hours security to electricity installations.

“But we are only to patrol from time to time. We have realiseed that the trend of vandalism of the installations and transformers is continuing from time to time with brazen display of arrogance.

“We have already started the patrol, and the team comprises officers from the Anti-Vandal Department, Department for Protection of Critical National Assets and also Operation.”

He appealed to members of the public to play key role in the anti-vandalism fight of the NSCDC by giving useful information to officers of the command.

“Our aim is to make sure we are able to work hand in hand with the general public. So, I urge them to look around, watch over things that belong to the people and inform us of any suspicious activity.”

The Nasarawa NSCDC boss also explained that in the first quarter of 2017, the command handled 97 cases, out of which 46 were resolved while five cases were transferred to the Nigerian Police.

Bashir-Kano also said that officers would collaborate with other sister security agencies in protecting lives and properties during the workers’ Day celebrations. (NAN)

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