The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, has issued a stern warning to road construction companies, civil engineering firms, contractors, developers and other allied operators across the State over the persistent destruction of fibre-optic cables and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) during excavation and construction activities.
This warning, issued on February 13, 2026, is pursuant to directives and national security guidance from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regarding the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and other designated Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide.
The Command notes with serious concern the increasing incidents of vandalism and damage to underground fibre-optic installations, largely attributable to negligence, inadequate planning and the failure of contractors to ascertain the presence of communication lines prior to excavation. Such actions have resulted in widespread disruptions to internet services, banking operations, emergency response systems, government services and other commercial activities, thereby posing significant threats to public safety, economic stability and national security.
In accordance with the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunications fibre infrastructure has been formally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. Consequently, any damage; whether wilful or arising from negligence; constitutes a grave offence with far-reaching national security implications.
The NSCDC further reiterates its statutory mandate under the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007, which empowers the Corps to maintain 24-hour surveillance over the government infrastructure and projects, prevent vandalism and sabotage, arrest and prosecute offenders, as well as enter and search premises and seize materials linked to the destruction of public utilities. These utilities include communication cables, power installations, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water facilities and other government assets.
In compliance with ONSA’s directive, the State Commandant, Commandant REMILEKUN OMOLADE EKUNDAYO MLCJ mSPSP hereby directs that all construction and excavation works must be preceded by proper verification, security clearance and mapping of underground utilities. Contractors, builders and Agent developers are required to liaise with relevant telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and other appropriate authorities before commencing any digging or drilling operations. The Ogun State Command emphasizes that ignorance of the existence of fibre-optic cables or other critical installations shall not be accepted as a defence. Any negligent or deliberate damage will attract immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution in accordance with the extant laws.
The State Commandant, Commandant Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against the destruction of national assets. She stressed that fibre-optic infrastructure remains vital to communication, commerce, security coordination and public safety, and warned that any individual or organisation found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
The Command therefore calls on construction firms, professional bodies, project managers, community leaders and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious excavation activities or acts of vandalism to the nearest NSCDC formation for swift response.
The NSCDC Ogun State Command remains resolute and proactive in safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the State and urges all stakeholders to partner with the Corps in protecting governments' assets and infrastructure which are indispensable to social well-being, economic growth, public safety and national security.
E-SIGNED:
CSC Sulaimon Folorunso
Public Relations Officer
NSCDC, OGUN State Command.
08034255618.
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