The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has warned construction companies operating in the state to strictly safeguard underground telecommunications infrastructure or face legal action.
The warning followed an enforcement operation carried out by the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Unit against Sermatech Construction Company along the Calabar–Uyo highway.
According to the Command, the action became necessary after reports of extensive excavation activities that allegedly led to the destruction of fibre optic cables belonging to Airtel about 54 kilometres from Calabar.
The State Commandant, Okarazu C. E., subsequently deployed a specialised enforcement team to the site to assess the situation. A spot assessment conducted on March 5 revealed that the high-capacity cables were severely damaged by heavy construction machinery.
Following the findings, the Head of the CNAI Department ordered the immediate suspension of construction activities in the affected area to prevent further damage to critical infrastructure.
The Project Manager of Sermatech Construction Company, Mr. Iheanacho Chibueze, has been invited to report to the NSCDC State Headquarters for questioning over the company’s alleged failure to coordinate with relevant service providers before commencing excavation.
Speaking on the development, Commandant Okarazu described fibre optic cables as vital to national communication and economic activities, stressing that the Corps would not tolerate actions that threaten critical infrastructure.
He explained that while the Corps supports ongoing infrastructure development by the federal and state governments, construction firms must verify Right of Way approvals and properly identify underground installations before carrying out excavation.
The Command noted that the enforcement aligns with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has instructed all state commands to maintain strict protection of telecommunications, power and petroleum infrastructure nationwide.
The Cross River Command therefore advised construction companies, both local and international, to consult the NSCDC’s CNAI Department before undertaking deep excavation, liaise with telecommunications providers to identify underground facilities, and ensure the presence of NSCDC personnel during excavation in areas with critical infrastructure.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to supporting the development agenda of Bassey Otu while ensuring the protection of vital digital and communication infrastructure across the state.