By Bukola Olamona
In a bid to curb the rising threat to critical communication infrastructure, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence, Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State, has intensified efforts to safeguard the state’s fibre-optic network through strategic collaboration with stakeholders.
The initiative, spearheaded by the state command, forms part of the corps’ mandate to protect vital national assets and aligns with the Office of the National Security Adviser’s framework for infrastructure security.
State Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, addressing participants at the State Command Headquarters on Wednesday, February 25, 2025, highlighted concerns over repeated damage to underground fibre installations during roadworks.
He warned that such disruptions compromise communication networks, essential services and ultimately, national security.
The forum brought together officials from the State and Federal Ministries of Works, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Communications Commission and leading telecom operators, including MTN, GLO, and Airtel.
Discussions centred on improving oversight of construction operations and enforcing preventive measures to protect both underground and surface utilities.
A major outcome was the establishment of a dedicated stakeholders’ committee tasked with coordinating efforts across government agencies, developers, contractors and service providers to prevent infrastructure sabotage and minimise service disruptions.
The NSCDC urged residents to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activities near telecommunications, power, oil and gas, health and educational infrastructure.
The command cautioned that any act of negligence or deliberate damage to critical facilities would attract prosecution under extant laws.
Through proactive engagement and community partnership, the corps aims to strengthen the resilience of Ondo’s critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted service delivery for residents.