The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Gombe State, Jibrin Idris, on Thursday, raised the alarm over continued damage to fibre optic cables during construction, warning that the trend poses serious threats to national security, banking operations, and public services.
Idris spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting on the implementation of the Office of the National Security Adviser’s directive on the protection of fibre optic cables and telecommunications infrastructure.
This is a sequel to the regular loss of network following construction works in the state metropolis, with attendant challenges to security, businesses, agencies and residents.
Idris said, “We are witnessing increasing incidents of accidental damage to fibre optic infrastructure during construction. These disruptions affect internet services, banking operations, commercial activities, and even government services. This poses a serious threat to national security, public safety, and economic development.”
The meeting brought together officials from the Gombe State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, telecom operators, and construction firms to chart a coordinated response.
While commending Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for ongoing infrastructural development, Idris noted that rapid development must be matched with safeguards.
“Development comes with its own challenges, and this is one of them. We must now address the protection of critical infrastructure,” he said.
Speaking from the contractors’ perspective, Auwal Suleiman of Triacta Construction highlighted operational challenges, blaming poor coordination and lack of on-site representation by telecom operators.
“Sometimes we spend hours trying to locate where cables are before we can proceed with work. In many cases, there is no proper monitoring or clear indication of where these installations are,” he said.
Suleiman stressed that inadequate information often leads to costly delays and accidental damage.
“These cables are not always properly marked or documented. By the time issues are discovered, it is already too late, and it affects project timelines significantly,” Suleiman added.
Also speaking, Gilbert Eze of Airtel Nigeria described the situation as disorganised, warning that repeated cable cuts are causing significant operational and financial losses.
“It looks like there is no order. Construction teams just move in with heavy equipment and damage these cables,” he said.
The Director in the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transportation, Reuben Mela, acknowledged the recurring problem and called for a more structured, proactive approach.
