The commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ekiti, Toma Enya, has warned construction companies and contractors to desist from vandalising fibre-optic cables and public properties in the state.

Mr Enya issued the warning at a news briefing in his office at the command’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

The commandant vowed that the corps would prosecute any erring contractors, individuals, or business owners caught in the act of vandalism and economic sabotage.

He said that actions that lead to the damage of the cables in any part of the state would no longer be tolerated because “it negatively affects communication connectivity and seamless wire interactions.

“Such damage will not be treated lightly, as the command is set to begin an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing projects along fibre-optic routes in the state,” Mr Enya stated.

He described the cables as critical national assets and infrastructure pivotal to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Mr Enya said, “Any damage arising from authorised and unauthorised excavation, construction activities, or failure to coordinate players in the construction industry with relevant authorities is deemed a criminal act under the Critical National Infrastructure Order 2024.

“I urge all stakeholders in the construction industry, both public and private, to adhere strictly to laid-down regulations and collaborate with the Nigeria Communications Commission.

“Telecom operators and NSCDC should collaborate to safeguard our common heritage from needless destruction to enable the end users to enjoy public and private property put together to make life easy for the people of the state.”

Mr Enya, therefore, appealed to the public to promptly report incidents of damage or destruction of fibre-optic cables to the nearest command’s office.

(NAN)