The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has issued a strong warning to road construction companies, civil engineering firms, contractors, developers and other allied operators across the state over the recurring destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national assets during excavation and construction works.
The warning, delivered on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, is in line with directives and national security guidance from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) nationwide.
The Command expressed serious concern over the growing incidents of damage to underground fibre-optic installations, attributing the trend to negligence, poor planning and the failure of contractors to verify the presence of communication lines before excavation. It noted that such actions have led to disruptions in internet services, banking operations, emergency communications, government services and other commercial activities, posing significant threats to public safety, economic stability and national security.
Citing the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, the NSCDC stated that telecommunication fibre infrastructure is officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure. It stressed that any damage—whether deliberate or caused by negligence—constitutes a serious offence with national security implications.
The Corps also reaffirmed its statutory powers under the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007, which mandates it to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of government infrastructure and projects, arrest and prosecute offenders, and protect public utilities from vandalism and sabotage. The Act further empowers the Corps to enter and search premises, seize materials suspected to be used for vandalism, and prosecute individuals or organisations involved in the destruction of public utilities, including communication cables, power lines, pipelines and water installations.
In compliance with ONSA’s directive, the Oyo State Command directed that all construction and excavation activities must be preceded by proper verification of underground utilities. Contractors are required to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and other relevant authorities before commencing any digging or drilling. The Command warned that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables or other installations would not be accepted as a defence, and that any negligent or deliberate damage would result in immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution.
Beyond fibre-optic cables, the NSCDC cautioned that it would not tolerate vandalism or unlawful interference with any critical national assets, including power installations, oil and gas pipelines, rail lines, communication masts, water facilities and government buildings across Oyo State.
The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, described the warning as a “clear riot act” to all construction firms operating in the state. He said the Command would not condone the reckless destruction of fibre-optic cables or any national asset under any guise, adding that such infrastructure is vital to communication, commerce and public safety. He assured that any individual or organisation found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Command also urged members of the public, professional bodies, project managers and community stakeholders to promptly report suspicious excavation activities or acts of vandalism to the nearest NSCDC formation for immediate response.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance stance, the NSCDC Oyo State Command pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding critical infrastructure across the state, while calling on all stakeholders to partner with the Corps in protecting assets essential to economic growth and national security.