The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has warned residents and contractors against the destruction of fibre optic cables during construction activities. The warning was issued during a community engagement programme held across Surulere, Mushin, Iganmu, Itire-Ikate and Yaba divisions under Area C Command in Lagos.
The engagement, held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, was organised in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, aimed at strengthening the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, commended the Area C Command and its divisions for successfully mobilising stakeholders within their communities. Represented by the Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye, he explained that the initiative was designed to sensitise traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, youths, religious leaders and other groups on the need to safeguard national infrastructure.
Keshinro noted that the protection of critical national assets—covering sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, power and energy, telecommunications, education and healthcare—remains one of the core statutory mandates of the Corps. He said community-based advocacy was necessary to bring the campaign against vandalism, illegal mining, illegal dredging and illicit scrap trading closer to people at the grassroots.
He specifically warned against the destruction of fibre optic cables, which are usually installed underground by telecommunications companies to strengthen network services. The commandant urged construction companies and engineers to collaborate with the NSCDC and the Nigerian Communications Commission to prevent damage to such critical infrastructure during construction projects.
Keshinro also called on members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities related to vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office or through the Lagos State emergency numbers, including 112 and 767. He emphasised that timely information from residents would significantly enhance the Corps’ efforts in protecting critical infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Honourable Sulaiman Yusuf, commended the NSCDC for creating a platform that allows communities to discuss security issues affecting them. He pledged the support of the local government in protecting public assets, particularly in addressing the persistent theft of road manholes by criminal elements.
The traditional ruler of Abule-Ijesha also assured the Corps of the continued support of traditional institutions in promoting the protection of national infrastructure. He, however, urged NSCDC divisions under Area C Command to maintain close engagement with community leaders and increase their visibility within the area.
Representatives of the National Orientation Agency, scrap dealers’ associations and other stakeholders present at the event pledged their support to the NSCDC. They also resolved to collaborate with security agencies in protecting manholes, fibre optic cables, rail sleepers, power installations and other critical facilities from vandalism and criminal attacks.
The programme was attended by representatives from several organisations, including the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, labour unions, religious bodies, community associations and members of the media, who all expressed support for the initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.