The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, today, Tuesday, 24th March 2026, organized a Roundtable Engagement on the Protection of Fibre-Optic Cables and Telecommunications Infrastructure during construction activities in Oyo State. The event was coordinated by the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, following directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Commandant-General, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders from the security, government, telecommunications, and construction sectors to address the rising incidents of fibre-optic cable damage during civil works and excavation activities.
Representatives from various security agencies included the Nigeria Police Force (CSP Adegoke Ademola), Nigerian Army (Major Y.S. Eshiet), Nigeria Correctional Service (CSC K.A. Yusuf), Nigeria Customs Service (AC N.K. Tijani), Federal Fire Service (SF Ogunjembola Ayobami), Nigeria Immigration Service (ACI I.O. Abere), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DCN Ene Valentine).
Officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport were represented by Mrs. Adepoju Jelilat, while construction companies engaged in state projects also attended. Telecommunications operators present included MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, American Tower Corporation (ATC), IHS Towers, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Traditional leaders were represented by Chief Adedeji Odufemi of the Association of Ibadanland Mogajis and His Royal Highness Dr. Friday Okoliko, President, Council of Non-Indigene Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, Oyo State.
In his opening remarks, Commandant Padonu highlighted that the engagement was prompted by the increasing destruction of fibre-optic cables, which disrupt communication services, cause economic losses, and pose potential national security risks. He emphasized that telecommunications infrastructure is protected under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order 2024, making its security a national priority.
He further reaffirmed NSCDC’s role as the lead agency for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, stating that contractors found guilty of negligent or deliberate damage to telecom infrastructure will face arrest and prosecution under the law.
The session featured a presentation by DCC Sunday Aderibigbe, Head of Department, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, on the NSCDC’s statutory mandate, the directive from ONSA, and the implications of fibre-optic cable damage. A deliberation session led by the State Commandant allowed stakeholders to propose practical solutions for prevention.
Mrs. Adepoju Jelilat commended NSCDC for proactively engaging the Ministry and stressed the importance of continued collaboration, public sensitization, and formal communication of resolutions to contractors. Telecommunications operators expressed readiness to collaborate in safeguarding infrastructure, while security agencies and traditional leaders reaffirmed their support for compliance and community awareness.
A key outcome of the engagement was the adoption of the “Call Before You Dig” protocol, requiring contractors to verify underground infrastructure and notify relevant stakeholders prior to excavation or construction. Additional resolutions included enhancing coordination among stakeholders, improving monitoring of construction activities, and establishing enforcement mechanisms to prevent further damage.
The engagement concluded with a collective commitment from all participants to strengthen collaboration and protect fibre-optic cables and other telecommunications infrastructure across Oyo State. NSCDC, Oyo State Command, reiterated its zero tolerance for vandalism and negligent destruction of critical national assets and urged all contractors and stakeholders to comply with established protocols.
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