TELECOM OPERATORS RAISE ALARM OVER NATIONWIDE VANDALISM THREATENING NETWORK COLLAPSE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised the alarm over the rising wave of vandalism and theft targeting telecom infrastructure, warning that the attacks could trigger a nationwide communication blackout if urgent action is not taken.
In a statement issued on Thursday, ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, called for swift intervention from government and security agencies as the telecommunications industry battles a surge in deliberate sabotage. He said the destruction of critical infrastructure has disrupted services across several states, with millions of Nigerians experiencing prolonged network outages, congestion, and unreliable connectivity.
“These acts of sabotage are setting us back,” Adebayo said. “Despite the industry’s massive investments in network upgrades and capacity expansion, we are being undermined by persistent attacks on our infrastructure.”
Between May and July 2025, telecom facilities in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and Abuja came under repeated attacks. According to ALTON, the incidents have resulted in the theft and destruction of essential components, including power cables, fibre optic lines, batteries, solar panels, diesel generators, and rectifiers. These components are vital to maintaining voice, data, banking, security, and emergency services nationwide.
The association also revealed that a black market has emerged for stolen telecom assets. Batteries are being resold for inverters, while solar panels and diesel supplies meant for powering base stations are being diverted and sold illegally. ALTON warned that the purchase of such items amounts to complicity in a national crime.
“This is not just about phone calls or internet access,” the statement read. “When telecom infrastructure is damaged, the ripple effect disrupts financial transactions, emergency responses, healthcare delivery, and educational services. It is a direct threat to national security.”
In addition to acts of vandalism and theft, ALTON cited frequent fibre cuts caused by uncoordinated road construction and civil works as another source of service disruption. The association stressed that such incidents incur heavy financial losses and service interruptions, urging contractors to work closely with telecom companies before breaking ground.
ALTON appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy immediate protective measures for telecom infrastructure. It also applauded the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for launching a platform for citizens to report vandalism via protect@ncc.gov.ng or the toll-free number 622.
“Telecom infrastructure has been declared Critical National Infrastructure under the Federal Government Gazette. Any act of vandalism or illegal possession of telecom assets is a criminal offence,” ALTON emphasized.
The association called for a coordinated national response involving security agencies, regulators, civil society, and the general public to prevent a total collapse of Nigeria’s communication networks.
“This is a desperate and urgent moment. The industry cannot fight this battle alone,” ALTON warned. “Our economic growth, digital transformation, and national security depend on a stable and secure telecom network.”
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