NSCDC Warns Abuja Contractors Against Cable Damage

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has warned contractors operating in Abuja to refrain from damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation activities. Commandant Olusola Odumosu issued this warning in a statement signed by the command's public relations officer, Monica Ojobi, highlighting the increasing damage to telecommunications infrastructure caused by construction activities.

The NSCDC noted that such damage often results from negligence and poor planning, leading to disruptions in internet services and affecting banking operations, government services, and commercial activities. The agency classified the damage to fibre-optic cables as a serious threat to national security and emphasized that any deliberate or negligent destruction of communication infrastructure would attract immediate arrest and prosecution under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act of 2003, as amended in 2007.

The NSCDC urged contractors to verify the presence of underground utilities before commencing work and to coordinate with telecommunications service providers to avoid disruptions.