Police, Power Ministry Forge Alliance to Combat Vandalism, Energy Theft Nationwide
IGP Disu assures decisive crackdown on power infrastructure saboteurs as Minister seeks stronger security partnership
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged intensified police action against vandals of electricity infrastructure and perpetrators of energy theft across the country, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and strengthening energy security.
The commitment was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, following a courtesy visit by the Minister of Power to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP made the pledge while receiving a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Power, led by the Honourable Minister of Power, Hon. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, at the Force Headquarters.
The minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Mahmud Mamman, Director of Distribution, Engr. Mustapha Baba-Umara, Director of Energy Resources, Engr. Kingsley Eneh, and the Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Martins Olajide.
The meeting centred on strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministry of Power to address the growing menace of vandalism of electricity infrastructure and widespread energy theft, which continue to undermine power supply and economic development.
During the engagement, Tegbe appealed for sustained operational support from the Police to protect power installations across the country, intensify surveillance around critical electricity infrastructure and ensure that those responsible for vandalism and energy-related crimes are brought to justice.
He stressed the importance of stronger inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding national power assets, describing the protection of electricity infrastructure as vital to improving power supply and driving economic growth.
Responding, IGP Disu assured the Minister that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to deploy its operational capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and combat crimes threatening the nation’s energy sector.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding critical national infrastructure, bolstering energy security, and decisively prosecuting perpetrators of power sector crimes,” the IGP stated.
He reaffirmed that the Force would sustain efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in vandalising electricity facilities and stealing energy resources, while strengthening collaboration with relevant government agencies to secure Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The meeting underscored the growing partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Power as part of broader efforts to curb economic sabotage, improve electricity supply and protect investments in the nation’s power sector.
