The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned road construction companies, contractors, and host communities to exercise greater caution in order to prevent the destruction of fibre optic cables across the state.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Chinedu F. Igbo, gave the warning in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, as part of renewed efforts to curb the increasing damage to fibre optic cables nationwide.
Commandant Igbo explained that fibre optic cables are critical infrastructure used by telecommunications companies to provide network services across the country. He noted that the cables are usually buried underground and that any damage to them can cause serious disruptions to telecommunications, digital operations, and other network services.
He said the recent rise in incidents involving damaged fibre optic cables prompted the Command to engage relevant authorities in the Federal Ministry of Works and the Delta State Ministry of Works. During the engagement, contractors handling road construction projects across the state were urged to exercise caution during excavation activities to avoid damaging installed cables.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at sensitizing stakeholders on the importance of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure that are vital to both the economy and public safety. He added that the Command has also intensified community engagement efforts to raise awareness about the need to safeguard fibre optic cables and other essential infrastructure.
Also speaking during the engagement, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Prince Oliseh, assured that stakeholders would collaborate closely with the NSCDC to address the problem by closely monitoring contractors’ activities and implementing necessary control measures.
Commandant Igbo further warned that the Command would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible for damaging fibre optic cables or other critical national infrastructure.