From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has issued a firm warning to all construction companies, contractors, developers, and excavation handlers operating across Kwara State to desist from actions leading to the destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical national infrastructure.
The State Commandant, CC Bala Bodinga, gave the directive during a strategic management briefing at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin. He stressed that the protection of telecommunications infrastructure remains a matter of national security and a core mandate of the Corps.
Commandant Bodinga expressed concern over the rising cases of damaged underground fibre installations resulting from negligence and failure to conduct proper utility verification before excavation.
He noted that such incidents disrupt communication networks, banking services, emergency response systems, and other essential services critical to public safety and economic stability.
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In line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser on the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide, the Command hereby directs that all construction and excavation works within Kwara State must be preceded by proper clearance and verification of underground utilities.
Contractors are required to liaise with relevant service providers and the NSCDC before commencement of any digging activities. Ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic installations will not be accepted as a defence.
The Command warned that any individual or corporate body found culpable of negligent or deliberate damage to critical infrastructure will face immediate arrest, investigation, and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The NSCDC Kwara State Command reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism and sabotage of national assets and calls on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC formation.
