The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State, Jibrin Idris, on Thursday raised alarm over increasing damage to fibre optic cables during construction, warning that the trend poses serious threats to national security, banking operations, and public services.
Idris spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting on the implementation of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s directive on the protection of fibre optic cables and telecommunications infrastructure.
He said, “We are witnessing increasing incidents of accidental damage to fibre optic infrastructure during construction.
“These disruptions affect internet services, banking operations, commercial activities, and even government services. This poses a serious threat to national security, public safety, and economic development.”
The meeting brought together officials from the Gombe State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, telecom operators, and construction firms to chart a coordinated response.
While commending Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for ongoing infrastructural development, Idris noted that rapid development must be matched with safeguards.
“Development comes with its own challenges, and this is one of them. We must now address the protection of critical infrastructure,” he said.
He stressed that collaboration remains central to solving the problem.
“There has to be synergy between construction companies, telecommunication operators, regulators, and all stakeholders. That is the essence of this meeting,” Idris added.
He also called for strict adherence to the “call-before-you-dig” protocol.
“Construction companies must always verify the existence of underground cables before excavation. This can only be achieved through proper collaboration with telecom operators and regulatory bodies,” he said.
Speaking from the contractors’ perspective, Auwal Suleiman of Triacta Construction highlighted operational challenges, blaming poor coordination and lack of on-site representation by telecom operators.
“Sometimes we spend hours trying to locate where cables are before we can proceed with work,” he said. “In many cases, there is no proper monitoring or clear indication of where these installations are.”
He stressed that inadequate information often leads to costly delays and accidental damage.
“These cables are not always properly marked or documented. By the time issues are discovered, it is already too late, and it affects project timelines significantly,” Suleiman added.
Also speaking, Gilbert Eze of Airtel Nigeria described the situation as disorganised, warning that repeated cable cuts are causing significant operational and financial losses.
“It looks like there is no order. Construction teams just move in with heavy equipment and damage these cables,” he said.
Eze recalled instances where emergency measures had to be taken to keep services running.
“There was a time we had to improvise alternative connections just to maintain service. That shows how critical this issue is,” he noted.
He emphasised the need for proper planning and engagement before construction begins.
“If due diligence is done and stakeholders are properly engaged, many of these issues can be avoided. We need clear agreements, proper mapping, and coordination,” he said.
Director in the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Reuben Mela, acknowledged the recurring problem and called for a more structured, proactive approach.
“For too long, we have been reacting instead of planning ahead,” he said. “These cables are critical infrastructure supporting security, banking, and communication systems.”
Mela noted that most damages occur during excavation by heavy machinery, often unintentionally.
“This is not always deliberate. Excavators hit these cables because there is limited information on their exact location,” he explained.
He proposed comprehensive mapping and documentation as a lasting solution.
“All underground cables must be properly mapped, documented, and assigned coordinates. This information should be made available to all stakeholders before any construction begins,” Mela said.
He also stressed the importance of due process.
“Contractors must notify all stakeholders—telecom operators, regulators, and relevant agencies—before going to site. With proper coordination, we can avoid these disruptions,” he added.
In a communiqué read by Idris, stakeholders resolved to strengthen collaboration and enforce stricter protocols to protect fibre optic infrastructure.
“We have agreed to collaborate and synergise as stakeholders. Fibre optic cables are endangered and must be protected,” he announced.
He outlined key resolutions, including mandatory notification before excavation and verification of cable locations.
“All construction companies must verify the existence of fibre cables before any excavation activity,” he said.
Telecom operators were also tasked with improving transparency.
“They are to provide detailed maps and coordinates of cable routes to guide construction activities,” Idris added.
To ensure real-time monitoring, stakeholders also agreed that telecom firms should deploy more personnel to construction sites.
“There must be proper supervision so that issues can be identified and addressed immediately,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enforce compliance, improve coordination, and protect critical infrastructure as Gombe develops.
