FG to launch “Power Rangers” to protect power infrastructure

The federal government has announced plans to establish a dedicated security unit to safeguard the nation’s power installations and infrastructure.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, revealed the initiative, dubbed the “Power Rangers”, during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday.

The new unit will comprise officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and will focus on preventing vandalism of power infrastructure, a major cause of blackouts across the country.

With increasing reports of power installations being damaged by vandals and public frustration over frequent outages, Tunji-Ojo stressed the urgency of addressing the issue with a tailored security response.

Read also: Power Infrastructure Vandalism up across Nigeria, Threatens Sector

The minister explained that the decision to establish the Power Rangers was inspired by the federal government’s Mines Marshalls, launched in March 2024 to tackle security threats in the mining sector.

While the government has approved the creation of the Power Rangers, Tunji-Ojo did not specify when the unit would be officially launched. However, he outlined the steps already taken toward its implementation.

He said, “We have decided now with the Minister of Power to have what we call the power rangers.

“What we had before we (the Bola Tinubu administration) came was the generalisation of national assets. But we said no, you cannot have one specific medication that can treat all illnesses.

“So you have to analyse every sector, the power sector, the water sector, the education sector, the health sector… and be able to create arms of Civil Defence under the same umbrella.”

“We’ve already agreed on the modus operandi and as I speak to you, the offices are being screened. Don’t forget that we are going to have officers in all 36 states plus the FCT because there is no state without a power infrastructure; it is just like the solid mineral sector.”