The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has intensified efforts to protect Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure by seeking closer collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and proposing the establishment of a joint task force to combat vandalism.
Tegbe made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials of the Ministry of Power.
During the meeting, the minister praised the Nigeria Police Force for its performance under the current administration, particularly since the appointment of IGP Disu. He described the vandalism of power infrastructure as one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to Tegbe, stronger surveillance of critical power installations and sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the Police are essential to securing the nation’s electricity assets and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Responding, IGP Disu appreciated the minister for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting critical national infrastructure, including power facilities.
The police chief pledged the Force’s continued support in strengthening energy security, prosecuting vandals, and addressing other criminal activities targeting the power sector.
He also expressed readiness to partner with the Ministry of Power in establishing a dedicated Joint Task Force for the protection of power infrastructure across the country.
Disu assured the minister of the Police Force’s full cooperation, noting that power installations and personnel remain critical national assets that require enhanced security due to their vulnerability to attacks.
The meeting forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve the reliability of electricity supply through stronger inter-agency cooperation, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
