By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has warned construction companies operating in the state to prioritise the protection of underground telecommunications infrastructure or face legal consequences.
The warning followed enforcement action taken by the Command’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Unit against Sermatech Construction Company along the Calabar–Uyo Highway.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Orok Kinini Iyeme SC, Command PRO, the Command said the action was prompted by reports of massive excavation activities which led to the destruction of fibre optic facilities belonging to Airtel about 54 kilometres from Calabar.
The State Commandant, Okarazu C. E., said a specialised enforcement team was immediately deployed to the site after the incident was reported.
According to the Command, a spot assessment conducted on March 5 revealed extensive damage to high-capacity telecommunications cables caused by heavy construction machinery. To prevent further damage, the Head of the CNAI Department ordered an immediate suspension of construction activities in the affected area.
The project manager of Sermatech Construction Company, Mr Iheanacho Chibueze, has been invited to report to the NSCDC Command Headquarters for interrogation and to explain the company’s alleged failure to coordinate with service providers before commencing excavation.
Commandant Okarazu emphasised that fibre optic cables are vital to national communication and economic operations.
“Fibre optic cables are the nervous system of our national communication and economy,” he said, adding, “While we support infrastructural development and the road projects of the Federal and State Governments, we will not tolerate the reckless destruction of one asset to build another. Any company that digs without proper ‘Right of Way’ verification and destroys critical cables is committing an act of economic sabotage.”
The enforcement action, the Command said, aligns with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has mandated all state commands to adopt a zero-compromise approach to the protection of telecommunications, power and petroleum infrastructure nationwide.
The Cross River Command advised all construction companies, including indigenous and international contractors, to consult the NSCDC CNAI Department before undertaking deep excavations. It also urged contractors to liaise with telecommunications service providers to map existing underground infrastructure and ensure the presence of NSCDC personnel during excavation activities near critical installations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting digital infrastructure across the state and supporting the development agenda of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu.
