Essential telecommunications services in Nigeria face escalating acts of vandalism, jeopardizing national security and causing widespread disruptions.
Rising Telecom Infrastructure Vandalism Pose Threat to Nigeria's Economy and Stability
Nigeria has been grappling with a surge in vandalism targeting telecom infrastructure since May 2025. The incidents, which have more than doubled to an average of five daily cases, have affected critical equipment such as fiber optic cables, power systems, generators, and batteries, leading to widespread network outages and service quality decline[1][4][5].
The most affected states include Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Kogi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Niger, Osun, Kwara, Imo, and Ekiti[1][2][3]. These incidents have jeopardized the telecom sector's ongoing infrastructure expansions and modernization investments, threatening a potential collapse of services if not urgently addressed[2][3].
In response, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for immediate government and security agency intervention. They have urged agencies such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector General of Police (IG), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to enhance protection measures[3].
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched a public reporting platform on May 26, 2025, to facilitate tracking and prompt reaction to such incidents[1]. Telecom operators have also formed an industry group to coordinate prevention and mitigation strategies amid these challenges[1][2].
The peak of the disruption occurred in May 2025, with 88 network outages attributed to fibre cuts, equipment theft, and power failures[6]. The vandalism has led to significant network disruptions affecting voice calls, internet access, SMS, and USSD services across all major mobile network operators[7].
Telecommunications are now recognized as critical infrastructure under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). The CNII Order was issued by the Nigerian government in June, with the Inspector General of Police overseeing its enforcement[2]. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is tasked with safeguarding telecom infrastructure on the ground[8].
Despite the increasing cases, no arrests or prosecutions have been reported in relation to the vandalism of telecom infrastructure. Gbenga Adebayo, President of ALTON, has urged Nigerians to join the fight against the vandalization of telecom infrastructure[9]. He stated that in many instances, vandals confront site engineers directly, demanding ransom before releasing stolen cables[9].
The situation is regarded as a crisis with national implications, as telecom operators highlight that vandalism undermines substantial sector investments, threatens economic stability, national security, and Nigeria’s digital future. There is a strong call for coordinated efforts involving government, security agencies, regulators, civil society, media, and the public to contain this growing threat[2][3].
References: [1] Premium Times (2025). "NCC launches public reporting platform to combat telecom infrastructure vandalism." Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/491944-ncc-launches-public-reporting-platform-to-combat-telecom-infrastructure-vandalism.html
[2] ThisDay Live (2025). "ALTON urges government, security agencies to tackle telecom infrastructure vandalism." Retrieved from https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/05/28/alton-urges-government-security-agencies-to-tackle-telecom-infrastructure-vandalism/
[3] Vanguard (2025). "Telecom operators call for urgent action to curb infrastructure vandalism." Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/telecom-operators-call-for-urgent-action-to-curb-infrastructure-vandalism/
[4] The Guardian (2025). "Vandalism of telecom infrastructure: A threat to Nigeria's economy and national stability." Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/vandalism-of-telecom-infrastructure-a-threat-to-nigerias-economy-and-national-stability/
[5] Daily Trust (2025). "Telecom vandalism: ALTON calls for public support to combat the menace." Retrieved from https://dailytrust.com.ng/telecom-vandalism-alton-calls-for-public-support-to-combat-the-menace/
[6] Nairametrics (2025). "Nigeria's telecom infrastructure under attack: The rise in vandalism cases." Retrieved from https://nairametrics.com/2025/05/27/nigerias-telecom-infrastructure-under-attack-the-rise-in-vandalism-cases/
[7] The Nation (2025). "Telecom vandalism: ALTON urges government to act." Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/telecom-vandalism-alton-urges-government-to-act/
[8] PunchNG (2025). "NSCDC to safeguard telecom infrastructure." Retrieved from https://punchng.com/nscdc-to-safeguard-telecom-infrastructure/
[9] BusinessDay (2025). "ALTON president urges Nigerians to fight telecom infrastructure vandalism." Retrieved from https://www.businessdayonline.com/telecoms/article/alton-president-urges-nigerians-to-fight-telecom-infrastructure-vandalism/
[10] The Cable (2025). "No arrests, prosecutions for telecom infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria." Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/no-arrests-prosecutions-for-telecom-infrastructure-vandalism-in-nigeria
- The escalating vandalism of telecom infrastructure in Nigeria, as part of the general-news, has raised concerns about the nation's cybersecurity, as telecommunications are now recognized as critical infrastructure under the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
- The persistent crime-and-justice issue of telecom infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria has not only jeopardized the ongoing technology expansions and modernization investments but also poses a threat to the nation's economic stability and digital future, making it a matter of national concern.
