Ogun: NSCDC seeks stronger media partnership to curb pipeline vandalism

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with journalists to improve public intelligence gathering and curb vandalism of critical national infrastructure.

The Command said closer engagement with the media would help promote timely dissemination of credible security information, encourage public participation in crime prevention and strengthen the protection of essential national assets.

The State Commandant, Commandant (Dr) Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, made the call during a meeting with the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, at the Command Headquarters in Owu-Dekudu, Abeokuta, on Friday.

Ekundayo noted that the protection of petroleum pipelines, telecommunications facilities, power infrastructure and other public utilities required more than security operations, stressing that citizens and the media had important roles to play in preventing criminal activities.

She explained that responsible journalism could assist security agencies by raising public awareness, encouraging the reporting of suspicious activities and countering misinformation capable of undermining public confidence or creating unnecessary panic.

Ekundayo explained that the growing complexity of security challenges in the country makes it imperative for security institutions and media organisations to establish effective channels of communication and information sharing.

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The Commandant added that security agencies across the country needed to adopt a more coordinated approach to public communication to ensure that verified information reached citizens promptly, particularly during emergencies.

She, however, urged journalists to exercise professional discretion in reporting security matters, noting that the pursuit of transparency must be balanced with the need to protect sensitive operational information and preserve public safety.

In her response, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Yetunde Fatungase, reaffirmed the commitment of journalists to ethical journalism and constructive engagement with security agencies.

Fatungase acknowledged the NSCDC’s responsibilities in internal security, civil protection and the regulation of private guard companies, noting that effective cooperation between the media and security institutions was essential to building public trust.

She said sustained engagement between both institutions would help bridge communication gaps, improve public understanding of security operations and encourage citizens to support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.