Nigerian Telecom Operators Raise Alarm Over Rising Vandalism Threatening Digital Economy
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has issued a distress alert over the increasing wave of vandalism and theft targeting telecom infrastructure across Nigeria. According to ALTON, this trend threatens to reverse recent gains in network quality and digital economy expansion efforts.
Telecom Infrastructure Sabotage Across Multiple Nigerian States
Between May and July 2025, ALTON members reported numerous incidents of vandalism across states, including:
- Rivers
- Ogun
- Osun
- Imo
- Kogi
- Ekiti
- Lagos
- Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
These acts have caused:
- Connectivity blackouts
- Service degradation
- Prolonged network downtimes
- Millions of subscribers affected
ALTON emphasised that telecom assets are officially classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) under Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108 of March 17, 2021.
“This is not just theft; this is sabotage of critical national infrastructure,” said ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
Telecom Industry Investments at Risk
ALTON highlighted that vandalism is undermining historic investments in:
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Network modernization
- Fibre optic expansion nationwide
Commonly stolen items include:
- Power cables
- Rectifiers
- Fibre optic cables
- Batteries
- Diesel generators
- Solar panels
These components are essential for:
- Digital economy growth
- Emergency response systems
- Financial services
- National security communications
Black Market for Stolen Telecom Equipment
ALTON raised concerns about a growing black market for stolen telecom assets. Stolen items such as:
- Batteries and solar panels are sold for household and office inverters.
- Diesel fuel is diverted and sold illegally.
ALTON warned:
“If you buy stolen telecom equipment, you are not just complicit—you are part of the problem.”
Additional Infrastructure Damage from Road Construction
Beyond theft, telecom operators are dealing with infrastructure damage caused by:
- Ongoing road construction
- Civil engineering works
Excavations along highways and urban roads have led to:
- Severe fibre optic cable damage
- Further service disruptions
- Financial losses
ALTON Calls for Urgent National Security Intervention
To prevent a national communications crisis, ALTON is urging the following agencies to take immediate action:
- Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
- Inspector General of Police
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
“We need coordinated national action. Our national security, economic stability, and digital future depend on it. The time to act is now,” Adebayo emphasized.
NCC Vandalism Reporting Portal
ALTON commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for launching a dedicated reporting platform:
- Email: protect@ncc.gov.ng
- Hotline: Dial 622
Citizens are encouraged to use these channels to report any suspicious activity related to telecom infrastructure.
