The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has commenced a statewide stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at tackling the rising cases of access denial and vandalism of optic fibre cables across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the State Commandant, Commandant Chinedu F. Igbo, seeks to strengthen collaboration among telecommunications operators, host communities, and relevant government authorities to enhance the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

The month long exercise involves major stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, including ATC, BTC, and IHS, as well as representatives of host communities where Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) are located across Delta State. The engagement is focused on identifying challenges faced by operators during routine maintenance operations and developing practical solutions to improve service delivery and safeguard telecommunications infrastructure.

The stakeholder meetings began in Uvwie Division and later extended to Area 5 Command, covering Warri North, Warri South, Warri South West, and Burutu Divisions, before moving to Ika North East Division.

During the deliberations, stakeholders highlighted several factors responsible for access denial and optic fibre cable vandalism, including community related disputes, operational difficulties experienced by service providers, and actions by some government agencies that unintentionally contribute to such incidents.

Speaking during the engagement sessions, Commandant Chinedu stressed the importance of sustained synergy among all stakeholders, noting that the protection of telecommunications infrastructure is essential to national security, economic development, and uninterrupted communication services.

He further revealed that a communiqué would be issued at the conclusion of the engagement, containing strategic recommendations and actionable measures aimed at curbing infrastructure sabotage and strengthening coordinated efforts towards the protection of critical national assets across Delta State.