The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has warned that it will no longer treat damage to fibre-optic cables and other critical infrastructure as accidental.
The Command said the directive followed instructions from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who also serves as Secretary of the Federal Coordinating Council for the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, said the warning became necessary in view of persistent disruptions to telecommunication network services across Zamfara State and the provisions of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, which mandates the Corps to provide optimal protection for telecommunications infrastructure, particularly fibre-optic cables.
He expressed concern over what he described as indiscriminate excavation and exploitation by engineering and construction firms, contractors, developers, miners and other operators.
“These agents of exploitation and excavation are depredating the security, economy and societal welfare of the state,” he said.
Mustapha advised all construction firms, miners and related operators to desist from random digging without conducting proper utility surveys and verification of underground installations.
He stressed that the Corps is constitutionally empowered to enforce compliance under the amended Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, warning that infractions would attract appropriate sanctions, including possible prosecution.
The Commandant noted that the enforcement drive extends beyond telecommunications infrastructure to other critical national assets, including oil and gas facilities, power and energy installations, transportation infrastructure, as well as education and health institutions.
“Any act of sabotage or vandalism involving fibre-optic cables, cell towers, manholes, rail sleepers, power installations and dispensaries will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that sensitisation programmes have been scheduled to educate stakeholders and the public on the need to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Mustapha maintained that protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure is fundamental to national security, particularly in an era of digital globalisation. He noted that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector underpins secure communication, financial transactions, operational efficiency and emergency response systems.
According to him, persistent disruptions to telecommunications networks threaten national security, economic stability and Nigeria’s connectivity to global information systems.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strict supervision and enforcement of regulatory standards, warning that the era of “accidental” destruction of fibre-optic networks or vandalism of national infrastructure is over.
“The destruction of fibre-optic networking or any national infrastructure constitutes a criminal offence chargeable by law, and the Command will not relent in ensuring full compliance,” he stated.
