The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has threatened to prosecute construction firms and contractors responsible for damaging underground fibre-optic cables in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Corps warned that the continued destruction of the critical communication infrastructure poses serious risks to national security and economic stability.

The FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja, following a surge in incidents where excavation works by contractors and developers sever vital communication cables across the capital.

According to Odumosu, the recurring incidents—often caused by negligence, poor planning and failure to verify underground utilities before excavation—have disrupted internet connectivity, banking services, telecommunications operations and other critical government and commercial activities.

He stressed that fibre-optic installations are now legally recognised as strategic national assets under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024.

As a result, he said, any damage to the infrastructure—whether deliberate or accidental—constitutes a serious offence.

“Persistent damage to underground fibre-optic cables disrupts communication networks and undermines economic activities. Those responsible will henceforth face arrest and prosecution,” Odumosu warned.

He said the Corps has the statutory authority under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003 (as amended in 2007) to protect public utilities and prosecute offenders responsible for vandalising critical infrastructure.

The commandant directed all contractors and developers carrying out construction or excavation projects in the FCT to verify the presence of underground installations before commencing work.

He also advised them to liaise with telecommunication companies, relevant government agencies and the NSCDC before undertaking excavation activities.

Odumosu emphasised that ignorance of underground fibre-optic installations would not be accepted as an excuse if such infrastructure is damaged.

He further warned that the Corps would not tolerate vandalism or interference with other critical national assets, including power facilities, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water installations and communication masts.

Offenders, he said, could face prosecution under several laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and other legislation protecting national infrastructure.

Odumosu reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to safeguard critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital.

He also called on residents, project managers, professional bodies and community stakeholders to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office for prompt intervention. (Arise News)