FG to Establish “Power Rangers” Task Force to Curb Electricity Asset Vandalism – Minister

The Federal Government has announced plans to create a special security unit, dubbed the ‘Power Rangers,’ to safeguard the nation’s power installations and infrastructure from vandalism.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Sunrise Daily, stating that the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Minister of Power.

The unit, comprising officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be tasked with preventing the vandalism of power infrastructure, which has contributed to recurring blackouts across the country.

Citing the increasing incidents of attacks on power installations, the minister emphasized the need for a sector-specific security approach. He noted that the initiative was inspired by the success of the Mines Marshals, a special security outfit established in March 2024 to address security issues in the mining sector.

“What we had before this administration was a generalised approach to protecting national assets. But we realised that a one-size-fits-all solution is ineffective,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that a tailored security strategy was necessary for different sectors, including power, water, education, and health.

While the timeline for the launch of the ‘Power Rangers’ unit was not disclosed, the minister confirmed that preparations were already underway.

“We’ve agreed on the modus operandi, and screening of officers is ongoing,” he said.

According to him, officers will be deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring comprehensive coverage of power infrastructure nationwide.

“We are in the process of onboarding officers, evaluating their capacity, competence, areas of specialization, and even physical strength,” he added.

The initiative aims to enhance the protection of electricity assets and reduce disruptions caused by vandalism.