The Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Suberu Aniviye, has issued a stern warning against the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure in the state, emphasizing that damaging fibre-optic cables now constitutes a criminal offence with severe legal consequences.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Minna, Commandant Aniviye said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with the NSCDC, has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on the repeated destruction of fibre-optic cables, particularly during road construction and excavation activities.
“The Federal Government’s designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure under the CNII Order 2024 has elevated fibre-optic cables to the status of protected national assets. Any unauthorized excavation, negligence, or deliberate damage will now be treated as a criminal act,” he stated.
Under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Acts, individuals or organisations found guilty of intentionally damaging critical national infrastructure face up to 10 years in prison without the option of a fine.
Commandant Aniviye explained that liability extends to both individuals and corporate entities, including construction companies, contractors, engineers, miners, developers, and government agencies found responsible.
He added that the directive was conveyed through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, who also serves as Secretary of the Federal Coordinating Council for the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).