Ibadan, Nigeria – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has issued a stern warning to road construction companies and contractors over the destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national infrastructure during excavation and construction activities.
The warning was conveyed in a statement released on Wednesday in Ibadan by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Opebiyi.
According to Opebiyi, the directive aligns with instructions from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the country.
The Command expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of damage to underground fibre-optic installations, attributing the trend to negligence, poor planning, and failure to verify the presence of communication lines before excavation.
“These actions have resulted in the disruption of internet services, banking operations, emergency communications, government services, and commercial activities, thereby posing serious threats to public safety, economic stability, and national security,” the statement read.
The NSCDC directed that all construction and excavation works in the state must be preceded by proper verification of underground utilities. Contractors are required to liaise with telecommunications service providers, the NSCDC, and relevant government authorities before commencing any digging or drilling activities.
Opebiyi warned that individuals or firms found culpable of destroying communication infrastructure or violating the guidelines would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further stated that the Command would not tolerate vandalism, sabotage, or unlawful interference with Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, including power installations and oil and gas pipelines.
The Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Augustine Padonu, also urged members of the public, professional bodies, project managers, and community stakeholders to report any suspicious excavation activities or acts of vandalism to the Corps for prompt action.
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