The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State has issued a stern warning that any individual or corporate entity found responsible for damaging critical infrastructure, particularly fibre-optic cables, will be arrested and prosecuted.
The commandant of the Kwara State Command, Bala Bawa Bodinga, announced the directive in Ilorin. He specifically targeted construction companies, contractors, developers, and excavators, urging them to cease all activities leading to the destruction of fibre-optic installations and other national assets.
This warning follows a concerning rise in incidents where underground fibre-optic cables are damaged, often due to negligence and a failure to verify the location of utilities before excavation. According to Bodinga, such vandalism severely disrupts essential services, including telecommunications, banking, emergency response systems, and other operations vital to public safety and economic stability.
He emphasized that protecting telecommunications infrastructure is a core mandate of the NSCDC and a matter of national security. In line with national directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser on safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the Kwara Command has mandated that all construction and excavation work must be preceded by formal clearance and verification of underground utilities.
Contractors are now required to formally liaise with relevant service providers and the NSCDC prior to commencing any digging activities. The commandant stated that a claim of ignorance regarding the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a legal defence.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward the sabotage and vandalism of national assets. The corps called on the general public to report any suspicious activities observed near infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office. This measure aims to fortify the security of critical assets that underpin both national security and daily socio-economic activities across Kwara State.
