FG On High Alert As Telecom Giants Predict Industry Collapse From Sabotage Surge

Telecom Operators Warn of Sector Collapse as Vandalism Threatens Nigeria’s Digital Backbone

Telecommunication operators in Nigeria have sounded the alarm over the potential collapse of the telecom industry due to a disturbing surge in infrastructure vandalism across the country.

Operating under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the group issued a dire warning on Thursday. In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, and Publicity Secretary, Damian Udeh, ALTON raised serious concerns about the relentless theft and destruction of critical telecom facilities nationwide.

According to iReporter Online, the operators emphasized that since the Federal Government introduced key sustainability interventions earlier this year, telecom companies have ramped up investments in network optimization, capacity expansion, and state-of-the-art technology upgrades. Despite these strides, the efforts are being severely undermined by a wave of sabotage targeting base stations and vital infrastructure.

Between May and July 2025 alone, widespread vandalism has been reported at telecom sites in states such as Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi, and even the Federal Capital Territory, leading to service disruptions and blackouts that have affected millions of subscribers.

According to the operators, vital components including fibre optic cables, rectifiers, diesel generators, batteries, and solar panels are routinely stolen from active telecom sites. These components, they noted, form the core of Nigeria’s digital economy and communication framework.

ALTON also condemned the growing black market where stolen telecom parts are resold, warning the public that purchasing such items amounts to criminal complicity. The group stressed that telecom infrastructure is officially classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and any act of vandalism or illegal possession constitutes a federal crime.

According to iReporter Online, the group appealed to security agencies including the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigeria Police, DSS, and the NSCDC to intensify the protection of telecom infrastructure before the situation escalates into a full-blown communication breakdown.

The association also praised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its proactive creation of a dedicated reporting channel via protect@ncc.gov.ng and the 622 emergency number, urging citizens to report suspicious activity.

In a final rallying call, ALTON warned that the sector cannot endure this crisis alone. It called for a coordinated national response from all stakeholders — including government, civil society, media, and the general public — insisting that safeguarding telecom infrastructure is essential for national security, economic progress, and the preservation of Nigeria’s digital future.

According to iReporter Online, the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic, not only for the telecom industry but for the entire fabric of Nigeria’s digital and economic ecosystem.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”