The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting to address the growing threat posed by indiscriminate excavation activities that have repeatedly damaged fibre optic cables and other critical national assets across the state.
The meeting, led by the State Commandant, CC E.A. Ajayi, brought together key stakeholders involved in the protection and management of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure and other strategic facilities vital to national security and economic development.
According to the Commandant, the meeting became necessary following the persistent disruption of telecommunications services caused by damage to fibre optic cables along road construction corridors and project sites within the state.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the provisions of the CNAI Order 2024 National Protection Policy, which mandates the NSCDC to provide effective protection for critical national assets and infrastructure, including telecommunications facilities such as fibre optic networks.
Speaking during the engagement, Ajayi expressed concern over the increasing cases of uncoordinated excavation by construction companies and developers, stressing that such activities have continued to undermine essential services and economic activities.
“The persistent destruction of fibre optic cables disrupts internet services, banking operations, commercial activities and the efficient functioning of basic utilities within the state. These disruptions ultimately affect socio-economic development and public welfare,” he said.
The Commandant warned civil engineering firms, construction companies and other operators involved in excavation works to refrain from undertaking projects without conducting proper utility surveys and verifying the locations of underground installations.
“Construction firms and other agents involved in excavation activities must desist from random digging without due diligence. Proper utility mapping and verification of underground infrastructure are necessary to prevent avoidable damage to critical assets,” he stated.
During his address, Ajayi commended stakeholders for their commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and acknowledged their contributions to maintaining the integrity of strategic national assets across the state.
He noted that the protection of critical infrastructure extends beyond the telecommunications sector to include power installations, oil and gas facilities, healthcare infrastructure and other strategic assets that support national development.
The Commandant further declared that acts of vandalism targeting fibre optic cables, railway facilities, power installations, telecommunications towers and manholes would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He disclosed that the command would intensify public sensitisation campaigns through radio programmes, media engagements and community outreach initiatives to educate residents on the importance of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
Ajayi also reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to working closely with telecommunications service providers to verify and map telecommunications infrastructure across the state. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would strengthen the protection of critical assets and contribute to a more secure environment.
According to him, the rapid growth of digital technology and global connectivity has made telecommunications infrastructure indispensable to national security, economic stability and sustainable development.
“In today’s digitally driven world, telecommunications infrastructure plays a crucial role in economic growth, national security and access to critical information. Protecting these assets is therefore a shared responsibility,” he added.
In his remarks, the representative of the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad K., commended the NSCDC for initiating the strategic engagement.
He described the mapping and identification of fibre optic cable routes as a proactive measure that would assist construction firms in avoiding critical infrastructure during project execution.
“Identifying and mapping the locations of fibre optic installations is a strategic step that will help construction companies understand designated utility corridors. This is essential for preventing damage and supporting national security objectives,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised the need for unity, cooperation and mutual respect among all stakeholders responsible for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
He also called for stronger collaboration, enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to prevent criminal activities capable of threatening public safety and strategic national infrastructure.
In his closing remarks, Commandant Ajayi stressed that the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure requires collective action, noting that such facilities form the backbone of socio-economic growth, public service delivery and national development.
The statement was issued under reference AAA15/NSCDC/PRU/SSC/VOL.27.6.