The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has warned road construction workers who vandalise underground fibre-optic cables to desist or face prosecution.

NSCDC FCT commandant Olusola Odumosu gave the warning in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Odumosu advised construction workers, civil engineering firms, contractors, and developers across the FCT to stop the persistent destruction of underground fibre-optic cables during construction works.

He said the caution became necessary in view of the increasing damage to fibre-optic installations in the territory.

According to him, this damage arises from negligence, poor planning, and workers’ failure to identify the presence of communication lines or cables along road corridors.

The commandant explained that these actions had, on many occasions, disrupted internet services, banking operations, communications networks, government services, and other commercial activities.

“The recurrent damage to our underground fibre optic cables poses a serious threat to national security, causing disruption of telecommunication services, which affects the economic prosperity of our country.

“Under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, telecommunication fibre infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

“Any damage, whether deliberate or through negligence, constitutes a serious offence with national security implications,” he said.

The commandant maintained that the operatives would henceforth work in compliance with the directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and pursuant to its statutory mandate.

“All construction and excavation works in the FCT must be preceded by proper verification of underground utilities.

“Contractors must liaise with telecommunication service providers, NSCDC, and relevant government authorities in the FCT before the commencement of digging or drilling.

“Ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables or other installations shall not be accepted as a defence, and any negligence or deliberate destruction of communication infrastructure will attract immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution,” Mr Odumosu said.

Mr Odumosu urged members of the public, professional bodies, project managers, and community stakeholders to promptly report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of CNAI to the nearest NSCDC formation.

(NAN)