The Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has partnered with the Gombe State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to curb damage to fibre-optic cables across the state.
State Commandant Jibrin Idris disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Usman Kallamu, at the ministry’s headquarters in Gombe.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Buhari Saad, Idris emphasised that the protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) remains a core mandate of the Corps. He described fibre-optic cables as vital national assets that support communication systems, digital services, and economic activities.
“Fibre-optic cables are critical national assets that support communication, digital services, and economic growth. Their protection is not optional but a statutory responsibility of the Corps,” he said.
The Commandant warned that the destruction of such infrastructure constitutes a punishable offence under the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Order 2024.
“Damage to fibre-optic cables, whether wilful or through negligence, is a prosecutable offence. The NSCDC will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute individuals, contractors, or firms found culpable,” Idris added.
He urged contractors and construction companies operating in the state to exercise due diligence, particularly during excavation and road construction near fibre-optic installations. He also called on residents to report suspicious activities around critical infrastructure to security agencies.
Responding, Commissioner Kallamu commended the NSCDC for the proactive initiative and assured the ministry’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Corps.
“We appreciate the Commandant for this timely visit. The ministry will strengthen coordination with the NSCDC to ensure that contractors comply with safety standards and that incidents of fibre-optic cable damage are drastically reduced,” he said.
