The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria has urged the government and security agencies to help curb increasing vandalism and theft of telecoms infrastructure.

This appeal was made in a statement on Thursday by ALTON chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, and publicity secretary, Damian Udeh.

Mr Adebayo warned that these criminal acts posed a serious threat to the stability of national communication systems.

He explained that, despite ongoing investment in network upgrades, the vandalism was severely disrupting services and setting back progress.

“We are seeing a troubling rise in the destruction and theft of infrastructure, which supports our digital economy, security systems, and national communication grid,” he said.

Between May and July 2025, vandalism incidents affected telecoms sites in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and Abuja.

“These criminal acts have caused widespread blackouts, disrupted services, and negatively affected millions of telecom users across Nigeria,” Mr Adebayo added.

Stolen items include power cables, rectifiers, fibre optic cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar power systems.

Mr Adebayo pointed out that telecoms infrastructure is classified as Critical National Infrastructure, as per Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated March 17, 2021.

He stated that vandalism, sabotage, and the illegal handling of such infrastructure are grave offenses under national security laws.

Mr Adebayo also expressed concern about the growing market for stolen telecoms components across the country.

“We urge the public to stay alert and avoid buying questionable items. Buying stolen goods makes one an accomplice in the crime,” he warned.

He also highlighted the damage being done to underground fibre cables during road construction, which causes major outages and financial losses.

Mr Adebayo called on top security bodies, including ONSA, the inspector general of police, and the SSS director-general to act swiftly.

The association praised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for launching a reporting platform via protect@ncc.gov.ng or the number 622.

“This is an urgent national emergency. The industry cannot fight this alone,” Mr Adebayo said.

He called for united action from all stakeholders — security forces, governments, regulators, media, civil society, and citizens.

“Our national security and digital future are at stake. The time for action is now,” he said.

(NAN)