The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong warning to construction companies and contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory, cautioning them to stop damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation works or face 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 due to negligence and poor planning by construction firms.
Odumosu said the increasing damage to the communication infrastructure has led to repeated disruption of internet services, banking operations, telecommunications networks and other critical government and commercial activities.
According to him, the destruction of fibre-optic cables constitutes 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 powers 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 disclosed that in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, contractors must verify the presence of underground utilities before commencing excavation or drilling in the FCT.
He directed all construction firms to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and relevant authorities before carrying out digging or drilling activities, stressing that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a defence.
The NSCDC boss further 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 said 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 for vandalism, urging organisations and stakeholders to collaborate with the agency to protect public utilities and ensure sustainable economic growth.
