NSCDC WARNS CONTRACTORS, COMMUNITIES AGAINST DAMAGE TO FIBRE OPTIC CABLES IN DELTA
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has issued a strong warning to road construction companies, contractors and host communities to desist from damaging fibre optic cables during construction activities.
The State Commandant of the Corps in Delta, Chinedu F. Igbo, gave the warning following directives from the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has called for intensified efforts to curb the rising cases of fibre optic cable damage across the country.
Commandant Igbo explained that fibre optic cables are highly sensitive installations used by telecommunications companies to provide network connectivity and digital communication services nationwide.
According to him, these cables are usually buried underground and any damage to them could cause severe disruptions to telecommunications and internet services.
He expressed concern over the recent increase in incidents involving damaged fibre optic cables, particularly during road construction and excavation works across Delta State.
While engaging officials from the Federal and Delta State Ministries of Works, the Commandant urged contractors handling road construction projects to exercise greater caution and ensure proper identification of existing fibre optic infrastructure before carrying out excavation activities.
Igbo noted that the move is part of the command’s broader strategy to protect critical national assets and infrastructure vital to economic development and public communication.
He added that the command has also intensified community engagement and sensitization programmes aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of protecting fibre optic cables and other critical infrastructure.
In his response, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Prince Oliseh, assured that relevant stakeholders would collaborate closely with the NSCDC to address the challenge.
He stated that stricter monitoring of contractors’ activities and improved control measures would be implemented to prevent further damage to the cables.
Commandant Igbo, however, warned that the command would not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute any individual or contractor found responsible for damaging fibre optic infrastructure.
The statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Uchenna, on behalf of the State Commandant
