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Growing Threat to Nigeria’s Digital Backbone
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised serious concerns over the increasing incidents of vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure nationwide, warning that such acts threaten the sustainability of telecom operations and the stability of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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In a joint statement issued in Lagos by ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, and Publicity Secretary, Damian Udeh, the association revealed that between May and July 2025, telecom cell sites across several states—including Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory—were targeted, resulting in service disruptions, connectivity blackouts, and degraded network quality for millions of users.
Critical Equipment Targeted
According to ALTON, vital telecom components such as power cables, rectifiers, fiber optic cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar panels have been systematically vandalized or stolen. These components, the association emphasized, are essential to powering the networks that drive Nigeria’s economy, security architecture, and national communications grid.
“These are not mere materials. they are the backbone of our digital economy. An attack on telecom infrastructure is an attack on our economy and our national security,” ALTON stated.
Surge in Investment at Risk
ALTON noted that the vandalism comes at a time when telecom operators have made unprecedented investments in network upgrades and capacity expansion, following recent federal government interventions to sustain the industry. “Our industry has not seen this scale of investment in recent years,” ALTON said. “We are working round the clock to improve nationwide service quality, and we cannot afford these setbacks.”
Market for Stolen Telecom Assets Expanding
The association also expressed concern over the thriving black market for stolen telecom equipment, with components like:
- Batteries resold for home and office inverter systems
- Solar panels stripped from base stations and sold to households
- Power rectifiers and diesel fuel siphoned and traded illegally
This underground market is further fueling the crisis and undermining investments in broadband connectivity.
Construction Projects Causing Cable Damage
In addition to theft, ALTON highlighted another growing threat: damage to underground fiber optic cables caused by uncoordinated road construction and civil engineering projects. These disruptions have led to massive service outages and financial losses for operators.
Government Agencies Urged to Intervene
To prevent a nationwide telecom collapse, ALTON has called on key security agencies to take immediate action:
- Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
- Inspector General of Police
- Director General of DSS
- Commandant General of NSCDC
The association urged these bodies to deploy the necessary resources to secure telecom installations and deter further sabotage.
Telecom Infrastructure Now Protected by Law
ALTON reminded the public that telecom assets are classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) under Nigeria’s security framework, backed by Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated March 17, 2021. Vandalism or sabotage of such infrastructure is a criminal offense with severe penalties.
Commendation for NCC’s Proactive Role
The group also commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for launching a dedicated reporting portal to combat vandalism. Citizens can report incidents via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Toll-Free Line: 622
“These proactive steps are essential to maintaining the resilience and security of Nigeria’s telecom networks,” ALTON concluded.
