The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned that contractors and construction firms responsible for damaging underground fibre-optic cables in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will face arrest and prosecution.
The agency said the persistent destruction of critical communication infrastructure poses serious threats to national security and economic stability.
The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja following a rise in incidents where excavation activities by developers and contractors sever essential communication cables across the capital.
Odumosu said many of the incidents were caused by negligence, poor project planning and failure to verify the presence of underground utilities before excavation work begins. He noted that such disruptions have affected internet connectivity, banking services, telecommunications operations and other key government and commercial activities.
He emphasised that fibre-optic infrastructure is now legally recognised as a strategic national asset under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, making any damage to such installations a serious offence.
“Persistent damage to underground fibre-optic cables disrupts communication networks and undermines economic activities. Those responsible will henceforth face arrest and prosecution,” Odumosu warned.
He explained that the Corps derives its authority from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003, as amended in 2007, which empowers it to protect public utilities and prosecute individuals responsible for vandalising critical infrastructure.
The commandant therefore directed all contractors and developers undertaking construction or excavation projects within the FCT to verify the presence of underground installations before commencing work. He advised them to liaise with telecommunications companies, relevant government agencies and the NSCDC prior to excavation.
Odumosu stressed that ignorance of underground fibre-optic installations would not be accepted as a defence if such infrastructure is damaged.
He further warned that the Corps would not tolerate vandalism or interference with other strategic national assets, including power facilities, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water installations and communication masts.
According to him, offenders could be prosecuted under several laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as well as other legislation protecting national infrastructure.
Odumosu reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement operations to safeguard critical infrastructure within the nation’s capital. He also urged residents, project managers, professional bodies and community stakeholders to report suspicious excavation activities or acts of vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office for prompt action.
