News
NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja
NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong warning to construction companies and contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory, cautioning them to stop damaging underground fibre-optic cables during excavation works or face prosecution.
The warning was issued by the FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, who expressed concern over the growing cases of fibre-optic cable destruction across Abuja due to negligence and poor planning by construction firms.
Odumosu said the increasing damage to the communication infrastructure has led to repeated disruption of internet services, banking operations, telecommunications networks and other critical government and commercial activities.
According to him, the destruction of fibre-optic cables constitutes a serious national security risk and undermines economic activities in the country.
He explained that under the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order 2024, telecommunications infrastructure, including fibre-optic cables, has been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, making any deliberate or negligent damage a punishable offence.
The Commandant noted that the Corps derives its powers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2003 (as amended in 2007), which empowers it to protect national assets, maintain round-the-clock surveillance on critical infrastructure and prosecute offenders involved in vandalism and sabotage.
He added that the law authorises the Corps to arrest, detain and investigate individuals or organisations responsible for damaging public utilities such as communication cables, power transmission lines, pipelines and other strategic facilities.
Odumosu disclosed that in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, contractors must verify the presence of underground utilities before commencing excavation or drilling in the FCT.
He directed all construction firms to liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and relevant authorities before carrying out digging or drilling activities, stressing that ignorance of the presence of fibre-optic cables will not be accepted as a defence.
The NSCDC boss further warned that the Corps would not tolerate vandalism or interference with critical national assets such as power installations, oil and gas pipelines, rail infrastructure, water facilities, communication masts and government buildings.
He said offenders—whether individuals, companies or government contractors—would face prosecution under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and other relevant legislation protecting national infrastructure.
Odumosu assured residents that the NSCDC remains committed to safeguarding critical national assets across the capital territory and urged contractors to strictly comply with verification procedures before undertaking civil works.
He also called on members of the public, professional bodies and project managers to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC formation for prompt response.
The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ zero-tolerance for vandalism, urging organisations and stakeholders to collaborate with the agency to protect public utilities and ensure sustainable economic growth.
NSCDC Warns Contractors Over Damage to Fibre Optic Cables in Abuja
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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