NSCDC arrests two in Edo over alleged telecom infrastructure damage and theft

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced that it has detained two individuals in separate incidents involving the damage and theft of telecommunications infrastructure in Edo State.

Commandant Saidi Akintayo of the Edo Command disclosed the arrests during a press conference in Benin on Tuesday.

Akintayo explained that the arrests are part of a broader effort to safeguard critical national assets and curb economic sabotage.

In the first incident, a suspect named Hassan Yusuf was apprehended in Irrua on Monday along the Auchi Road axis after allegedly damaging an Airtel fibre‑optic cable during road construction. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect failed to exercise due caution or take steps to protect the infrastructure while working.

“All contractors, operators and individuals engaged in excavation or construction activities must coordinate with relevant authorities to prevent damage to protected infrastructure,” Akintayo said. He added that fibre‑optic cables are vital national assets that support communication services, business operations and national development.

He warned that wilful destruction, tampering with, or unauthorised interference with telecommunications infrastructure is punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The second incident involved the alleged theft of telecommunications equipment from an IHS Towers facility on Ugbor Road in Benin City. According to Akintayo, NSCDC personnel were on patrol when they acted on credible intelligence that led to the suspect’s arrest. Preliminary findings indicate the suspect gained unauthorised access to the facility and removed a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), causing service disruption in the area.

“Upon noticing the service interruption, the facility operators alerted the NSCDC and our personnel immediately swung into action, leading to the apprehension of the suspect,” he said.

Investigations are ongoing to establish all facts surrounding both incidents and to determine whether other persons were involved.

Akintayo reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure across Edo State. “We will continue to intensify surveillance, sensitisation and enforcement actions against all forms of vandalism and economic sabotage,” he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support efforts to safeguard essential national infrastructure. He assured the public that anyone found culpable of sabotaging critical infrastructure would face the full wrath of the law.

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