The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ekiti State, Mr Toma Enya, has warned construction companies and contractors against vandalising fibre-optic cables and other public assets in the state.
Enya issued the warning on Tuesday during a news briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, stressing that damage to fibre-optic cables would no longer be tolerated because of its negative impact on communication connectivity and service delivery.
He said the command would begin on-the-spot assessments of ongoing construction projects along fibre-optic routes across the state to prevent further damage.
Describing fibre-optic cables as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Enya said they are vital to the socio-economic development of the country. He noted that any damage resulting from authorised or unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate with relevant authorities constitutes a criminal offence under the Critical National Infrastructure Order 2024.
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The NSCDC boss urged stakeholders in the construction industry, both public and private, to comply strictly with established regulations and to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission to protect the infrastructure.
He also called for closer collaboration between telecom operators and the NSCDC to safeguard public assets and ensure uninterrupted services for residents.
Enya appealed to members of the public to promptly report cases of damage or destruction of fibre-optic cables to the nearest NSCDC office, warning that the command would prosecute any contractor, individual or business found guilty of vandalism or economic sabotage.