The Nigerian government has announced plans to establish a dedicated security unit to safeguard power installations nationwide, aiming to curb vandalism that has contributed to frequent blackouts.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo revealed on Friday that the new unit, dubbed the “Power Rangers,” will be composed of officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their primary responsibility will be to prevent the destruction of critical power infrastructure.
The initiative follows increasing reports of power facility vandalism, which has worsened the country’s electricity crisis.
According to the minister, the decision was inspired by the success of the Mines Marshalls, a security outfit launched in 2024 to protect mining assets.
Tunji-Ojo explained that rather than a blanket approach to securing national assets, the government is now tailoring security solutions to specific sectors.
“You have to analyse every sector, including power, water, education and health, creating specialised arms within Civil Defence under the same umbrella,” he stated.
While the timeline for the Power Rangers’ deployment remains undisclosed, the minister confirmed that recruitment and screening processes are already underway. Officers will be stationed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure widespread coverage.
“We are onboarding officers, profiling them, assessing their competence, and ensuring they have the physical capacity to handle the task,” he added.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the persistent power supply challenges that have plagued Nigeria for years.
