The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its crackdown on threats to critical national infrastructure, announcing the arrest of two suspects in unrelated cases of telecommunications sabotage and theft.
Commandant Mr. Saidi Akintayo disclosed the breakthroughs on Tuesday during a news conference in Benin City. He described the arrests as part of the command’s sustained efforts to safeguard essential national assets and prevent economic sabotage that disrupts communication services across the state.
In the first incident, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Hassan Yusuf in Irrua on Monday along the Auchi Road axis. He is accused of damaging an Airtel fibre optic cable while carrying out road construction activities without proper caution or coordination.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect failed to take necessary precautions to protect the infrastructure during the excavation work. Akintayo stressed the importance of collaboration, urging all contractors, construction firms, and individuals involved in digging or building projects to liaise with relevant authorities before commencing work near protected installations.
“Fibre optic cables are vital national assets that underpin communication, business activities, and overall national development,” the Commandant noted. He warned that deliberate damage, tampering, or unauthorised interference with such infrastructure attracts severe penalties under laws including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In a separate operation, NSCDC personnel apprehended another suspect for allegedly stealing telecommunications equipment from an IHS Towers facility along Ugbor Road in Benin City. Acting on credible intelligence during a routine patrol, the team swiftly responded to reports of a service disruption caused by the removal of a Remote Radio Unit (RRU) from the site.
The theft reportedly led to temporary interruption of network services in the surrounding area. Facility operators promptly alerted the NSCDC, enabling operatives to track and arrest the suspect in record time.
Akintayo confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing to determine if there are additional accomplices or broader networks involved. He reiterated the command’s unwavering dedication to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure throughout Edo State.
“The NSCDC Command in Edo remains committed to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the state. We will continue to intensify surveillance, public sensitisation, and enforcement actions against all forms of vandalism and economic sabotage,” he affirmed.
The Commandant called on residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities around telecom installations or construction sites to security agencies promptly. He assured the public that anyone found guilty of sabotaging vital infrastructure would face the full consequences of the law.
These arrests highlight the growing emphasis on securing Nigeria’s digital backbone, especially as reliance on reliable telecommunications continues to expand for everyday services, commerce, and governance. The NSCDC has urged stakeholders in the construction and telecom sectors to prioritise compliance to avoid similar incidents. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
