The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has cautioned construction companies and contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory against damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation works, warning that offenders will face prosecution.
The FCT Commandant of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning on Monday through a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi.
Odumosu said the directive became necessary due to the increasing cases of fibre-optic cable damage caused by construction and excavation activities in the territory.
He explained that many of the incidents occur because contractors fail to properly identify underground communication infrastructure before commencing work.
“The recurrent damage to underground fibre-optic cables poses a serious threat to national security and disrupts telecommunication services, banking operations and other economic activities,” Odumosu said.
The commandant stressed that telecommunications infrastructure has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure under the 2024 CNII Order, meaning any damage—whether deliberate or due to negligence—constitutes a serious offence.
He added that the NSCDC derives its authority from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003 (as amended in 2007), which empowers the corps to protect critical infrastructure, conduct surveillance and prosecute individuals involved in vandalism or sabotage.
“Any negligent or deliberate destruction of communication infrastructure will attract immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution,” he warned.
Odumosu said the FCT command had directed that all construction and excavation projects must first verify the presence of underground utilities before digging.
According to him, contractors are required to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and other relevant authorities before beginning any drilling or excavation.
“Ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables or other underground installations will not be accepted as a defence,” he stated.
He further warned that the corps would not tolerate interference with other critical national assets such as power installations, oil and gas pipelines, water facilities, rail lines and communication masts.
Odumosu also urged residents, project managers and professional bodies to report suspicious excavation activities or acts of vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office for prompt action.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over frequent damage to telecommunications infrastructure during road construction, drainage projects and private building works across Nigeria.
