The Nigerian government is launching a specialized security unit, ‘Power Rangers,’ to combat power infrastructure vandalism. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that the team, made up of NSCDC officers, will protect electricity assets nationwide. The initiative aims to reduce blackouts caused by vandalism, though concerns remain over its effectiveness.
The Nigerian government is introducing a specialized security unit, known as the ‘Power Rangers,’ to curb the vandalism of electricity infrastructure that has contributed to nationwide blackouts. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the initiative, stating that it will be managed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The minister explained that the frequent destruction of power installations has severely affected the electricity supply, making it crucial to deploy a dedicated team to safeguard these assets. The ‘Power Rangers’ will operate nationwide, with officers stationed in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the decision follows the success of the Mines Marshals, a security task force launched in 2024 to tackle illegal mining activities. He emphasized the need for sector-specific security strategies, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to protecting national infrastructure.
While the minister confirmed that recruitment and training of officers have begun, he did not specify a timeline for the official launch of the unit. He assured Nigerians that the government is actively working on structuring the team to ensure efficiency in safeguarding power facilities.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some Nigerians see it as a necessary step to address the country’s persistent power issues, while others question its effectiveness given past challenges with infrastructure protection. As the government moves forward with this initiative, many await concrete results in securing Nigeria’s electricity assets.
