The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo state has warned road construction companies and contractors against the destruction of fibre-optic cables and other critical public infrastructure during excavation and construction activities.

The warning is contained in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Samuel Opebiyi, on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Opebiyi said the warning was in strict compliance with the directive of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide.

He said the command noted with grave concern the increasing incidents of damage to underground fibre-optic installations arising from negligence, poor planning and failure to verify the presence of communication lines before excavation.

“These actions have resulted in the disruption of internet services, banking operations, emergency communications, government services and commercial activities, thereby posing serious threats to public safety, economic stability and national security.

“In compliance with the national directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser and pursuant to its statutory mandate, the NSCDC Oyo State Command hereby directs that all construction and excavation works in the state must be preceded by proper verification of underground utilities.

“Contractors must liaise with telecommunication service providers, the NSCDC and relevant government authorities in the state before the commencement of digging or drilling,” he said.

Opebiyi warned that anyone caught destroying communication infrastructure or violating the guidelines would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

He said the command would not tolerate vandalism, sabotage or unlawful interference with any Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, including power installations, oil and gas pipelines.

Opebiyi added that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Augustine Padonu, urged members of the public, professional bodies, project managers and community stakeholders to report suspicious excavation activities or vandalism of infrastructure to the NSCDC.

(NAN)