The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned construction companies and contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory to desist from damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation works or risk prosecution.
The warning was issued by the FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, who expressed concern over the growing cases of fibre-optic cable destruction across Abuja, attributing the incidents to negligence and poor planning by some construction firms.
Odumosu said the increasing damage to communication infrastructure has resulted in repeated disruptions to internet services, banking operations, telecommunications networks and other critical government and commercial activities.
According to him, the destruction of fibre-optic cables poses a serious national security risk and undermines economic activities in the country.
He explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre-optic cables, has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, making any deliberate or negligent damage a punishable offence.
The Commandant noted that the Corps derives its mandate from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003 (as amended in 2007), which empowers it to protect national assets, maintain round-the-clock surveillance on critical infrastructure and prosecute offenders involved in vandalism and sabotage.
He added that the law authorises the Corps to arrest, detain and investigate individuals or organisations responsible for damaging public utilities such as communication cables, power transmission lines, pipelines and other strategic facilities.
Odumosu further disclosed that, in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, contractors are required to verify the presence of underground utilities before commencing excavation or drilling activities in the FCT.
He directed all construction firms to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and other relevant authorities before undertaking digging or drilling operations, stressing that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables would not be accepted as a defence.
The NSCDC boss also warned that the Corps would not tolerate vandalism or interference with critical national assets such as power installations, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water facilities, communication masts and government buildings.
He stated that offenders—whether individuals, companies or government contractors—would face prosecution under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and other relevant legislation protecting national infrastructure.
Odumosu assured residents that the NSCDC remains committed to safeguarding critical national assets across the capital territory and urged contractors to strictly comply with verification procedures before undertaking civil works.
He also called on members of the public, professional bodies and project managers to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC formation for prompt response.
The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance stance on vandalism and urged stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in protecting public utilities and sustaining economic growth.
