Two Arrested by NSCDC in Edo Over Suspected Telecom Infrastructure Theft and Damage
The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two individuals in separate incidents involving the destruction and theft of telecommunications infrastructure across the state.
The State Commandant, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Benin City. He said the arrests were part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to safeguard critical national assets and combat economic sabotage.
According to Akintayo, one of the suspects, identified as Hassan Yusuf, was apprehended on Monday along the Auchi Road corridor in Irrua for allegedly damaging an Airtel fibre-optic cable while carrying out road construction work.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect reportedly failed to take the necessary precautions or coordinate with relevant authorities before engaging in activities that resulted in damage to the communication infrastructure.
Akintayo stressed the importance of ensuring that contractors, construction workers, and excavation operators liaise with the appropriate agencies before undertaking projects that may affect protected facilities.
He noted that fibre-optic cables are critical national assets that play a vital role in communication services, business operations, and the country’s overall development.
The commandant further reminded the public that the deliberate destruction, tampering, or unauthorized interference with telecommunications infrastructure is a criminal offence punishable under existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In a separate operation, NSCDC operatives arrested another suspect for allegedly stealing telecommunications equipment from an IHS Towers facility located along Ugbor Road in Benin City.
Akintayo explained that the arrest followed actionable intelligence received by officers who were on routine patrol. Investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly gained unauthorized access to the facility and removed a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), leading to service disruption in the area.
He said that after the facility operators noticed the interruption in service, they alerted the NSCDC, prompting a swift response that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
The commandant stated that investigations into both cases are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incidents and whether additional individuals were involved.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting vital infrastructure, Akintayo said the Edo State Command would continue to strengthen surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures against vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help protect essential national infrastructure.
Akintayo assured the public that anyone found responsible for damaging or sabotaging critical national assets would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.