NSCDC Urges Telecom Operators To Protect Infrastructure

The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Olusola Odumosu, has charged telecommunications operators and tower owners to renew their commitment to the protection of their masts and tower installations within the nation’s capital.

Dr Odumosu gave the charge during a meeting with telecom stakeholders held at the FCT Command Headquarters, Abuja, where he expressed concern over the nonchalant attitude of some mast owners towards the security and protection of their multi-million-naira investments , a situation, he noted, has made such facilities vulnerable to vandalism.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was aimed at addressing the recurring incidents of vandalism targeting masts and towers across the country.

The commandant underscored the vital role of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, stressing that any act of sabotage or vandalism must be strongly condemned and decisively addressed.

“The Corps is deeply concerned because vandalism of these critical national assets and infrastructure has grave consequences for the entire nation. Protection of these facilities must therefore be taken seriously,” Odumosu stated.

He disclosed that many of the sites visited during routine patrols by the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department were found to be unguarded, lacking CCTV coverage and physical security. He therefore urged operators to improve security measures and ensure their facilities are not left open to vandals or miscreants.

Dr Odumosu directed the operators to engage the services of licensed private guard companies within the FCT to provide 24-hour security coverage and to share credible intelligence that could help in the arrest of vandals.

“As the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, the Corps remains committed to providing round-the-clock patrol and surveillance of your facilities.

However, we can only protect the facilities we know exist, so you must make available all relevant information about your sites and locations,” he added.

He also reiterated the Corps’ directive on the installation of CCTV cameras at base transceiver stations (BTS), noting that all future reports of infractions or theft must be accompanied by relevant CCTV footage.

In their response, the telecom stakeholders thanked the Commandant for convening the meeting and pledged to work closely with the NSCDC to enhance the security of telecom facilities within the FCT.