The Niger State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has issued a firm warning to the construction companies, engineering firms, contractors, miners, developers and other escalators over the persistent damage to fibre-optic cables and other critical national infrastructure in the state.

The State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye handed down the warning during a press briefing at his office in Minna, Niger state capital, saying that the followed directive conveyed by the Commandant General for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

He explained that this is in line with the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) order 2024, telecommunications Infrastructure especially Fibre-Optic cable has been officially designated as critical national assets requiring maximum protection.

Commandant Siyaka Aniviye hinted that a Riot Act was issued by the Commandant General on the protection of CNII hence the fibre cuts caused by negligence, lack of coordination, or willful actions during excavation and construction will no longer be tolerated.

According to him, severe legal penalties will be placed on the offenders, including construction firms, contractors, and government agents. Adding that all will face prosecution under the cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

Aniviye vowed that any damage raising from unauthorized digging or failure to engage with relevant authorities will be considered a criminal act, while urging members of the public to report any acts of sabotage or reckless destruction of fibre infrastructure to the nearest security agencies for prompt actions.

He pointed out some requirements for contractors to avoid prosecution to includes; conduct of pre-construction verification, collaborate with authorities, strict adhere to guidelines, verification of fibre optic installations, a verification report, an excavation clearance form, immediate reporting.

He further warned that the consequences of violations will be arrest and prosecution, legal sanctions and reparation costs which is associated with repairing the infrastructure will be charged to the culpable party.