Securing the Critical Infrastructure in Ondo State: Is the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps up to the Task?

The study assessed the effectiveness of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in protecting critical infrastructure in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study specifically examines the effect of the NSCDC operations on critical infrastructures protection in Ondo State, investigate the challenges encountered by the NSCDC in the protection of critical infrastructures, and analyse how such challenges are being addressed. The study utilised a quantitative design. Interviews and questionnaire schedules were used as tools for the collection of data. Some key officers of the Corps were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized. A sample size of 100 was picked randomly. The findings revealed that a significant 96% of respondents either strongly agree or agree that NSCDC's role in safeguarding critical infrastructure is indispensable to national security. This strong consensus highlights the participants' increased awareness of the crucial role that the NSCDC plays in securing critical infrastructures, underscoring its significance within the broader national security framework. A significant proportion of 70% of participants either strongly agreed or agreed that a shortage of staff poses a hindrance to the effective protection of vital critical infrastructures by the NSCDC. Vandalism emerged as a predominant challenge, with 73% of respondents either strongly agreeing or agreeing that it represents the major obstacle faced by NSCDC in protecting critical infrastructure. The study findings underscore the critical importance of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in safeguarding the diverse spectrum of critical infrastructures in Ondo State. The study recommends that¸ the government should provide adequate infrastructures that may benefit the citizens and also help in the protection of these infrastructures. This may make the citizens less frustrated and may result in government and citizens' amalgamation in protecting critical infrastructures.