The Federal Government has unveiled plans to create a specialized security force, known as the “Power Rangers,” aimed at protecting the nation’s critical electricity infrastructure from growing threats of vandalism.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, marks a pivotal move in safeguarding Nigeria’s power sector.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the ambitious plan during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday.
He disclosed that the new security unit will be made up of officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and will be tasked with preventing the growing menace of vandalism targeting power installations across the country.
With power outages increasingly being caused by criminal activity, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity of a sector-specific security solution tailored to the unique challenges facing the electricity sector. “In the past, we’ve had a generalized approach to securing national assets. But we believe this isn’t enough; one solution cannot fit all problems,” the minister explained.
He further highlighted the need for specialized security arms within each key sector—power, water, education, and health—under the larger umbrella of the Civil Defence Corps.
The decision to launch the “Power Rangers” follows the success of a similar initiative introduced in March 2024: the Mines Marshalls, a dedicated security unit focused on protecting Nigeria’s mining sector. Drawing from this success, the government is now applying the same strategy to ensure the security of the nation’s electricity infrastructure.
While the creation of the “Power Rangers” has been confirmed, the minister noted that the official launch date has yet to be finalized. “We’ve agreed on the modus operandi, and we are already screening officers for the unit,” Tunji-Ojo said, assuring the public that preparations are well underway.
He revealed that the unit will have a nationwide presence, with officers stationed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ensuring 360-degree protection of electricity infrastructure.
“There is no state without power infrastructure, and just as with the solid minerals sector, the protection of our power installations is a national priority,” the minister asserted. He further elaborated that the process of selecting officers for the unit is thorough, with a focus on profiling, evaluating capacity and competence, and ensuring that each officer meets the physical and technical requirements of the role.
The government’s bold move to deploy the “Power Rangers” underscores its commitment to curbing the persistent problem of vandalism and ensuring the security and sustainability of Nigeria’s power sector for the future.
