4 hours ago
2
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command, has warned contractors, construction companies, and excavation operators to desist from damaging fibre-optic cables, describing such acts as threats to Nigeria’s digital economy and national security.
In a statement signed by DSC Abubakar M.R. Muti, Public Relations Officer of the Command, the Corps said the warning followed a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser, transmitted through the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
According to the statement, telecommunications infrastructure, particularly fibre-optic cables, has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure under the CNII Order 2024 and must be accorded maximum protection.
The command declared that avoidable fibre cuts resulting from negligence, poor coordination, or unauthorised excavation would henceforth attract strict legal consequences.
It added that offenders, including private contractors and government agencies, would be prosecuted under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
The NSCDC also introduced mandatory measures for contractors operating in Niger State, including pre-construction verification of underground utilities, coordination with the Nigerian Communications Commission, network providers, and the NSCDC, as well as strict adherence to approved right-of-way guidelines.
It further stated that excavation clearance must be obtained from the NSCDC’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, CNAI, department before any digging begins and that verification of fibre installations must be conducted by service providers in the presence of NSCDC personnel.
The Command warned that any negligent or deliberate damage would result in immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution, with severe cases attracting imprisonment without the option of a fine, adding that offenders will also bear the full cost of repairs.
The Corps urged residents to report acts of sabotage or reckless destruction of fibre infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office, stressing that protecting critical infrastructure is a collective responsibility.
NSCDC threatens arrest, prosecution over fibre cable vandalism in Niger
