Telecom Operators in Nigeria Urge Government for Urgent Security Intervention to Combat Vandalism and Thefts Targeting Critical Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has expressed concern over the rise in vandalism and theft targeting critical telecommunications infrastructure, warning that a nationwide collapse of network services is imminent if the situation is not addressed urgently. The telecom operators have made significant investments in network optimisation and capacity upgrades, but these efforts are being undermined by increasing cases of theft and vandalism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Multiple incidents of vandalism were recorded at telecom cell sites in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja between May and July 2025.
  • The targeted attacks have disrupted services, caused prolonged network blackouts, and led to severe congestion, leaving millions of Nigerians without reliable connectivity.
  • Thieves are targeting essential telecom components, including power cables, rectifiers, fibre optic cables, feeder cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar panels, which are crucial for Nigeria's communications network, security systems, and digital economy.
  • States with the highest number of reported attacks include Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Osun, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
  • ALTON warned of a growing black market for stolen telecom equipment, with batteries being sold for home and office inverters, solar panels being resold to households, and diesel fuel being siphoned off and sold on the grey market.
  • Telecom infrastructure in Nigeria has been officially designated as Critical National Infrastructure under Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated 17th March 2021.
  • Vandalism, sabotage, or illegal possession of telecom assets constitutes a serious criminal offence with severe legal consequences.

Statistics:

  • Between May and July 2025, multiple incidents of vandalism were recorded at telecom cell sites in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
  • The telecommunications industry is currently undergoing its largest infrastructure expansion in recent years, with operators modernising transmission equipment, overhauling power systems, and laying thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cables to extend coverage and boost capacity.
  • As of 2021, telecom infrastructure in Nigeria has been officially designated as Critical National Infrastructure.

Sources:

  • The statement issued by the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo.
  • Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated 17th March 2021.
  • The Nigerian Communications Commission's dedicated portal for reporting vandalism or suspicious activities.