Telecommunication service providers have pledged full cooperation with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent vandalism of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and to support the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of offenders in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

This resolution was part of the outcomes of a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held on Monday, 3rd November, 2025, organized by the NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command. The meeting aimed to sensitize telecommunication service providers, Area Commanders, and Divisional Officers on the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015, which serves as the legal framework for prosecuting vandalism of critical national infrastructure.

In his remarks, Commandant Bashar Kefas Hussaini stressed that the protection of critical infrastructure requires collective responsibility. He called for enhanced synergy among stakeholders to effectively address the threats posed by nonstate actors and to curb economic sabotage in the country.

Also speaking, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Mathias Ashu, Esq., gave an in-depth explanation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015, with specific reference to Sections 5, 27, and 50, while comparing them with related provisions in the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

He lamented that one of the major challenges in prosecuting offenders is the failure of stakeholders, particularly organizations managing CNII, to appear as witnesses in court. He emphasized that without diligent prosecution and conviction, the efforts invested in arrest and investigation would yield little result. He therefore appealed for greater cooperation and commitment in this regard.

In their separate responses, representatives of the telecommunication companies expressed readiness to partner with the NSCDC in protecting critical infrastructure. They also requested prompt formal communications from the Corps on related matters to enable them to escalate issues to their corporate headquarters for necessary approvals.

Stakeholders present at the engagement included representatives from Airtel, Globacom, MTN, NCC/ECC, and ATC (American Tower Corporation).