By Joy Omagha Idam
ABUJA – In a renewed push to safeguard Nigeria’s electricity sector, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Riliwan Disu, has vowed that the Nigeria Police Force will intensify its crackdown on vandals and energy thieves sabotaging the nation’s power infrastructure.
The commitment came during a high-level meeting at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where the Minister of Power, Hon. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, led a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Power on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration in securing the country’s critical electricity assets.
Receiving the delegation, IGP Disu stressed that protecting power infrastructure is a matter of national security and economic importance. He assured the Minister that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to working closely with the Ministry of Power to combat the growing menace of infrastructure vandalism and illegal electricity connections that continue to undermine stable power supply across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not relent in identifying, arresting and ensuring the prosecution of individuals and criminal networks involved in vandalising power facilities and engaging in energy theft,” the Police chief assured.
The Minister of Power highlighted the increasing threats posed by the destruction of electricity installations and widespread energy theft, noting that such criminal activities have continued to frustrate government efforts to improve electricity supply and drive economic growth.
He called for stronger inter-agency cooperation, enhanced surveillance of critical power infrastructure and more effective law enforcement to deter criminal elements targeting the nation’s energy assets.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both institutions to review practical strategies for protecting electricity infrastructure, improving intelligence sharing and strengthening enforcement mechanisms against offenders.
The Minister’s delegation included 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 Minister’s Special Assistant, Mr. Martins Olajide.
The discussions ended on a note of optimism, with both the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Power reaffirming their commitment to a stronger partnership aimed at securing the nation’s energy infrastructure, improving electricity supply and creating a safer environment for economic growth and national development.
For many Nigerians, the renewed alliance signals a determined effort by government institutions to confront the persistent challenge of power infrastructure vandalism and energy theft—crimes that have long hindered reliable electricity delivery and slowed national development.