NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Fibre Optic Cable Destruction In Cross River

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has warned construction companies operating across the state against damaging underground telecommunications infrastructure during excavation works.

The Command said companies that fail to protect fibre optic cables and other critical national assets risk investigation, sanctions, and possible prosecution under relevant national infrastructure protection laws.

Officials of the Corps issued the warning after enforcement officers discovered extensive damage to telecommunications facilities along the Calabar-Uyo highway corridor during ongoing construction work.

Authorities explained that protecting digital infrastructure has become increasingly important because fibre optic cables support communication networks, financial transactions, internet connectivity, and several other national economic activities.

NSCDC halts construction after fibre optic damage

The State Commandant of NSCDC in Cross River, Okarazu C.E., ordered immediate enforcement action after reports indicated that excavation equipment damaged fibre optic facilities belonging to Airtel Nigeria.

According to the command, the incident occurred approximately fifty-four kilometres from Calabar during excavation work carried out by Sermatech Construction Company along the Calabar-Uyo road project.

Sources within the NSCDC Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit confirmed that a specialized enforcement team visited the construction site to assess the reported damage.

Investigators conducted an on-the-spot assessment on March 5 and confirmed that heavy machinery deployed for excavation activities had ruptured high-capacity fibre optic cables.

The enforcement team documented extensive infrastructure damage and reported that the disruption threatened communication services within parts of Cross River and neighbouring states.

Following the findings, the Head of Department for the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit ordered an immediate suspension of excavation activities in the affected section.

Officials explained that the directive aimed to prevent further destruction of digital infrastructure and safeguard national telecommunications networks from additional disruptions.

Construction company invited for interrogation

NSCDC authorities confirmed that the project manager of Sermatech Construction Company, Mr. Iheanacho Chibueze, has received an official invitation to appear before the command headquarters.

Security officials stated that the interrogation will allow investigators to determine why the company failed to coordinate with telecommunications service providers before beginning excavation activities.

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Investigators also plan to examine whether the company obtained the necessary Right of Way verification required before undertaking deep excavation near known utility routes.

A senior officer involved in the investigation explained that construction firms must always verify underground infrastructure layouts before deploying heavy machinery.

According to the officer, excavation without proper coordination exposes telecommunications infrastructure to avoidable damage and can disrupt critical communication services nationwide.

Fibre optic cables critical to national economy

Commandant Okarazu emphasized that fibre optic infrastructure forms the backbone of Nigeria’s communication networks and plays a vital role in national economic stability.

He warned that reckless excavation practices that destroy such infrastructure undermine economic activities and threaten the digital connectivity required for governance and commerce.

“Fibre optic cables serve as the nervous system of our national communication and economic operations,” Okarazu stated during a briefing on the enforcement action.

He explained that the Corps supports infrastructure development projects across the country but insists that contractors must follow proper procedures when operating near sensitive facilities.

“We support the road construction projects undertaken by the federal and state governments,” the commandant said.

However, he stressed that development must not occur at the expense of other strategic national assets essential for economic operations.

“We cannot tolerate the reckless destruction of one critical asset while attempting to build another,” he added.

The commandant warned that any company conducting excavation without verifying the Right of Way risks facing legal consequences for economic sabotage.

Enforcement aligns with national directive

Officials of the Cross River command explained that the enforcement action aligns with directives from the national headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

According to the command, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has instructed state commands to intensify protection of critical national assets.

The directive requires NSCDC units across Nigeria to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward vandalism or accidental destruction of infrastructure supporting telecommunications, energy, and petroleum industries.

Security officials said telecommunications infrastructure remains particularly vulnerable because underground installations often pass through construction corridors and urban development zones.

They stressed that proactive collaboration between contractors and infrastructure providers remains the most effective method for preventing damage to fibre optic networks.

NSCDC issues advisory to construction firms

Following the enforcement action, the Cross River State Command issued a comprehensive advisory to construction companies operating within the state.

The command urged contractors handling federal, state, and private construction projects to consult the NSCDC Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department before commencing deep excavation.

Officials advised companies to also liaise with telecommunications service providers in order to map the locations of underground fibre optic facilities before deploying excavation equipment.

Security authorities further recommended that contractors ensure the presence of NSCDC personnel during critical phases of excavation near known infrastructure corridors.

The advisory stressed that these preventive measures will help avoid accidental damage to telecommunications networks and ensure uninterrupted digital connectivity.

According to the command, compliance with these procedures will also protect contractors from liability, project delays, and potential legal consequences.

Commitment to digital connectivity in Cross River

The Cross River NSCDC command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national infrastructure while supporting development projects across the state.

Officials said the agency remains focused on protecting telecommunications networks, energy pipelines, and other critical installations that sustain economic activities and public services.

The command also linked its enforcement activities to the development agenda of Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu.

Authorities explained that protecting digital infrastructure remains essential to maintaining reliable communication systems for residents, businesses, and government institutions.

Security officials noted that uninterrupted telecommunications services strengthen economic development, digital commerce, emergency response operations, and public administration.

The command therefore urged contractors, engineers, and project supervisors to prioritize infrastructure protection during construction planning and execution.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Orok Kinini Iyeme, reaffirmed that NSCDC will continue monitoring construction activities involving deep excavation.

He warned that the Corps will not hesitate to investigate, sanction, or prosecute companies whose negligence leads to destruction of critical national assets.

Iyeme emphasized that protecting fibre optic infrastructure remains a collective responsibility requiring cooperation between contractors, telecommunications providers, and security agencies.