By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned construction firms and developers operating in Abuja to stop damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation projects or face arrest and prosecution.
The warning was issued by the Federal Capital Territory Commandant of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, in a statement released through the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, on Monday.
According to the NSCDC, frequent destruction of fibre-optic infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory has been linked to negligence by contractors who fail to verify the presence of underground communication lines before commencing construction work.
Odumosu noted that the repeated damage to telecommunications cables has led to disruptions in internet connectivity, banking services, communication networks and government operations across the capital city.
He stressed that the destruction of fibre infrastructure also poses serious national security risks because telecommunications networks support critical digital and financial services.
The commandant explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, telecommunication fibre-optic systems have been classified as critical national infrastructure.
This classification means any deliberate or negligent damage to such facilities is treated as a serious offence with legal consequences.
Odumosu further stated that the NSCDC derives its enforcement powers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003, as amended in 2007.
The law empowers the corps to monitor critical infrastructure, investigate acts of vandalism and prosecute offenders.
He added that the agency can search premises, seize materials suspected to be used in infrastructure sabotage and prosecute individuals, contractors or organisations responsible for damaging public utilities.
The commandant revealed that in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, all excavation and construction projects in Abuja must undergo proper verification of underground utilities before work begins.
Contractors are therefore required to collaborate with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and other relevant authorities before any digging or drilling activity.
Odumosu emphasised that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a defence if damage occurs.
He also warned that vandalism or interference with other critical assets such as power installations, oil pipelines, rail infrastructure, water systems and communication masts will attract strict penalties.
The NSCDC assured residents that it remains committed to protecting national infrastructure and urged members of the public to report suspicious excavation activities to the nearest security formation.
Industry stakeholders say safeguarding fibre-optic networks is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring stable communication services nationwide.
