The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has officially read the "Riot Act" to all road construction companies, civil engineering firms, and private developers across the state following a persistent rise in the destruction of fibre-optic cables. This move, announced in an official press release serves as a direct enforcement of the national security mandate formalized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Authorities have expressed grave concern over the "high costs" these damages impose on the nation, citing industry data that reveals major providers like MTN Nigeria suffered over 9,218 fibre cuts in 2025 alone due to negligence and poor planning. The Command warned that these incidents, whether caused by willful sabotage or professional negligence are now being treated as criminal acts against the state.
Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre is strictly protected as a vital asset for national security, economic stability, and public safety. The Oyo NSCDC spokesperson, SC Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi, clarified that the Corps is exercising its full statutory powers under the NSCDC Act of 2003 (as amended in 2007) to maintain 24-hour surveillance over infrastructure projects. These cables are described as the "digital backbone" powering Nigeria's banking sector, emergency services, and government operations.
The Act further authorizes the Corps to enter and search premises and seize materials suspected to be used for vandalism.
Consequently, the Command warned that negligence will no longer be excused, and those found culpable including government contractors and corporate bodies will face immediate arrest and prosecution under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, emphasized the severity of the directive, stating that the warning is a clear signal that reckless destruction of national assets will not be condoned under any guise. He noted that these infrastructures are vital to communication and commerce, and any firm found culpable will face the full weight of the law without hesitation. To avoid strict legal consequences, the Command has mandated that all stakeholders conduct mandatory pre-construction route verification and collaborate with the NSCDC, the NCC, and network operators before and during any excavation activities. Firms are required to strictly adhere to approved guidelines for Right-of-Way (RoW) management to prevent avoidable service outages that disrupt public safety and economic activities.
In a final appeal to the citizenry, the NSCDC and NCC encouraged the public, professional bodies, and project managers to remain vigilant and report any acts of infrastructure sabotage or accidental damage. To enable rapid response and minimize service disruptions, reports should be made promptly to the nearest NSCDC office, via email at protect@ncc.gov.ng and cipu@nscdc.gov.ng, or by calling the 622 toll-free line. The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance, asserting that the protection of critical national assets is a shared responsibility essential for sustaining Nigeria’s economic growth and public safety
