By Matthew Johnson
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, hosted the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Power at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where both parties pledged stronger collaboration to combat vandalism of power infrastructure and energy theft across the country.
The minister, who was on a courtesy visit on Tuesday, 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.
During the meeting, discussions centred on the growing threat posed by the vandalisation of critical power infrastructure and the increasing incidence of energy theft, both of which continue to undermine electricity supply and the nation’s power sector.
Tegbe appealed for sustained support and enhanced tactical collaboration from the Nigeria Police Force to protect power installations nationwide, strengthen surveillance around critical infrastructure and intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute those involved in power-related crimes.
Responding, the IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting critical national infrastructure and supporting initiatives aimed at improving energy security.
He assured the delegation that the Force would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to curb vandalism, tackle energy theft and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.