The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with journalists to combat vandalism, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen public confidence in security agencies.

The call was made on Friday during an engagement between the NSCDC Ogun State Command and executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, at the Command Headquarters in Owu-Dekudu, Abeokuta.

The State Commandant, Commandant (Dr.) Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, described the media as an indispensable partner in national development and security management, stressing that effective security operations require public enlightenment, civic engagement and credible information sharing.

Ekundayo said protecting critical national assets, including petroleum pipelines, telecommunications infrastructure, power grids and public utilities, required active public cooperation, which responsible journalism could help facilitate.

She noted that security agencies across the country needed structured partnerships with journalists to counter misinformation, prevent unnecessary public panic during emergencies and safeguard operational integrity.

To strengthen communication and ensure the timely dissemination of verified information, the commandant directed the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Sulaimon Folorunso, to maintain open lines of communication with national correspondents based in Ogun State.

She also emphasised the need to balance transparency and the public’s right to information with operational confidentiality and national stability.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Yetunde Fatungase, reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to ethical journalism and responsible reporting in support of national security.

Fatungase acknowledged the NSCDC’s statutory responsibilities in internal security, private guard regulation and civil protection, noting that the media remained willing to contribute to national stability through objective and professional reportage.

She added that institutional collaboration between security agencies and news organisations was essential to building public trust, improving communication and bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The engagement ended with both institutions pledging closer collaboration in public enlightenment, critical infrastructure protection and community-based security advocacy.