The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning to individuals and corporate bodies in Kwara State against negligent or deliberate damage to critical infrastructure. Commandant Bala Bawa Bodinga stated that offenders will face arrest and prosecution under existing laws.

Speaking in Ilorin, Bodinga cautioned construction companies, contractors, developers, and excavators to refrain from activities that could harm fibre-optic cables and other vital national infrastructure. He emphasized that protecting telecommunications infrastructure is a matter of national security and a core mandate of the Corps.

Bodinga highlighted the rising cases of underground fibre damage caused by negligence and failure to verify utilities before excavation, noting that such incidents disrupt communication networks, banking services, emergency response systems, and other essential public services.

"In line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser on the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide, all construction and excavation works in Kwara State must be preceded by proper clearance and verification of underground utilities," he said.

Contractors are required to coordinate with relevant service providers and the NSCDC before commencing any digging, with ignorance of fibre-optic installations not accepted as a defence.

The command reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism and sabotage of national assets and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC formation.