NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja
NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja, cautioning that negligent construction activities that destroy critical telecommunications infrastructure could lead to arrest and prosecution.
The warning was issued by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, following an increase in incidents where underground fibre-optic cables were cut during excavation and construction works in the nation’s capital. 
The FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, said the repeated destruction of fibre-optic installations has disrupted essential services and posed serious threats to national security and economic stability. 
For government officials and telecommunications stakeholders, the development underscores the growing concern that construction activities are inadvertently damaging Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The issue behind the headline NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja therefore reflects a broader effort to protect critical national assets in the digital economy.
Rising damage to underground telecom infrastructure
According to the NSCDC, contractors engaged in road construction, drainage works and building projects have frequently damaged underground fibre-optic cables while carrying out excavation activities.
Authorities say these incidents often occur because contractors fail to identify the presence of communication lines before digging.
Odumosu explained that such negligence has repeatedly disrupted vital services.
These disruptions have affected:
• internet connectivity
• banking and financial transactions
• communication networks
• government operations
• commercial activities
Because fibre-optic networks serve as the backbone of modern communication systems, their destruction can trigger widespread service outages.
This explains the urgency behind the message NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
Fibre infrastructure now classified as critical national asset
The NSCDC emphasised that fibre-optic cables are no longer treated as ordinary utilities.
Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications infrastructure has been formally designated as critical national infrastructure. 
This classification means that damaging such infrastructure—whether deliberately or through negligence—can attract serious legal consequences.
According to Odumosu, the protection of these assets is essential to national security and economic development.
This legal framework strengthens the warning behind NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
Contractors required to verify underground utilities
To prevent further damage to telecommunications infrastructure, the NSCDC directed that contractors must conduct proper verification before starting excavation projects.
Construction companies have been instructed to:
• verify the location of underground utilities
• consult telecommunications service providers
• liaise with relevant government agencies
• coordinate with the NSCDC before digging or drilling
Odumosu warned that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a defence.
Contractors who fail to follow the verification procedures risk arrest and prosecution.
The directive forms a central part of the policy message that NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
https://ogelenews.ng/nscdc-warns-contractors
NSCDC empowered to protect national infrastructure
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps derives its authority from the NSCDC Act 2003 (as amended in 2007).
The legislation empowers the Corps to protect critical infrastructure across the country.
Under the law, NSCDC officers are authorised to:
• conduct surveillance of public infrastructure
• investigate acts of vandalism
• arrest suspects involved in sabotage
• prosecute offenders damaging government assets
The Act also allows the Corps to seize equipment used in the destruction of public utilities.
Because telecommunications networks are now considered critical national infrastructure, their protection has become part of the NSCDC’s security mandate.
This legal authority reinforces the warning that NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
Impact on Nigeria’s digital economy
Industry stakeholders say fibre-optic infrastructure plays a central role in the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The cables support internet connectivity, financial transactions, cloud services and digital government operations.
When these cables are damaged, businesses and consumers often experience major service disruptions.
Experts say even a single cut fibre cable can affect thousands of internet users and financial transactions.
For this reason, authorities believe protecting fibre networks is essential for economic stability.
This economic context explains why NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja has become an important policy message.
Public urged to report suspicious activities
The NSCDC also appealed to members of the public to support efforts to protect critical infrastructure.
Residents, project managers and community leaders were encouraged to report suspicious excavation activities or suspected vandalism.
Officials said community cooperation is vital in safeguarding public assets.
They emphasised that protecting telecommunications infrastructure requires collaboration between government agencies, contractors and citizens.
Thus, NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja while also urging public vigilance.
Broader infrastructure protection strategy
The NSCDC noted that fibre-optic cables are only one part of the country’s broader infrastructure protection challenge.
Other critical assets include:
• power transmission lines
• oil and gas pipelines
• water supply systems
• railway infrastructure
• communication towers
Authorities say vandalism or negligence affecting any of these facilities can disrupt economic activities and national security.
The Corps therefore reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws that protect national infrastructure.
This wider context reinforces the importance of the message NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja.
Moving forward
As construction activities continue to expand across the Federal Capital Territory, authorities say greater coordination between contractors and infrastructure operators will be necessary.
Officials believe that improved planning and verification procedures can significantly reduce accidental damage to fibre networks.
For now, the warning issued by the NSCDC sends a clear message to construction companies operating in Abuja.
Any contractor found responsible for damaging telecommunications infrastructure may face arrest, investigation and prosecution.
In the meantime, NSCDC warns contractors against damaging fibre-optic cables in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted communication services.
https://punchng.com/nscdc-warns-contractors-against-damaging-fibre-optic-cables-in-abuja
