The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has warned that it will not tolerate any road construction worker found vandalising underground fibre-optic cables and urged them to desist from such conduct or face the full force of the law.
A statement issued by the commandās spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, said the FCT NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, advised construction workers, civil engineering firms, contractors, and developers across the FCT to cease the destruction of underground fibre-optic cables during excavation for construction works.
In view of the increasing damage to fibre-optic installations in the territory, Odumosu lamented that the damage arises from negligence, poor planning, and the failure of workers to identify the presence of communication lines or cables along road corridors.
According to the commandant, āThese actions had on many occasions resulted in disruption of internet services, banking operations, communications networks, government services and other commercial activities.ā
He noted that the recurrent damage to underground fibre-optic cables poses a serious threat to national security, causing disruption of telecommunication services and affecting the economic prosperity of the country.
Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, he explained, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Any damage, whether deliberate or through negligence, constitutes a serious offence with national security implications.
Odumosu further explained that operatives would henceforth act in compliance with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser and in pursuance of their statutory mandate.
He stressed that all construction and excavation works in the FCT must be preceded by proper verification of underground utilities, emphasising that contractors must liaise with telecommunication service providers, NSCDC, and relevant government authorities in the FCT before commencing digging or drilling.
He stated that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables or other installations shall not be accepted as a defence, and any negligence or deliberate destruction of communication infrastructure will attract immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
NSCDC warns FCT construction workers against vandalising fibre-optic cables
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