The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Rivers State Command, has cautioned contractors to carry out proper checks and consultations before excavation works to prevent damage to underground telecommunications infrastructure.
The State Commandant, Joachin Okafor, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting in Rivers State, in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He stressed the importance of due diligence before any digging activity.
“Contractors must carry out due diligence, consultation and verification before excavation to avoid damage to critical telecom infrastructure,” he said.
Okafor also warned that any careless or deliberate damage to such infrastructure would attract serious legal consequences.
“Any arbitrary tampering or destruction of fibre-optic cables will be treated as sabotage and vandalism under the law.”
In a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Ihemnacho Umeado, telecom stakeholders at the meeting expressed concern over repeated losses caused by construction activities. They, however, agreed that improved coordination could significantly reduce such incidents.
The stakeholders resolved to adopt preventive measures, including proper mapping of telecom routes, joint verification before the commencement of road projects, and stronger communication with service providers to protect critical infrastructure.
