Victor EzejaThe Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised the alarm over the increasing spate of vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure, warning that it could lead to a nationwide network collapse if not addressed promptly.
The group has called for immediate action from the government and security agencies to protect these critical assets.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, the group said the most affected states in recent times include Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
ALTON lamented that the attacks on telecom sites have caused network blackouts, severe congestion, and service degradation, leaving millions without reliable connectivity.
It said that thieves steal power cables, rectifiers, fibre-optic cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar panels. It emphasised that these components are essential for Nigeria’s digital economy and security systems.
Economic and Security Consequences
The association said the telecom sector is undergoing major infrastructure expansion, but vandalism is reversing progress and jeopardizing investments. To improve coverage and capacity, operators are installing thousands of kilometers of fiber-optic cables, modernizing power systems, and upgrading transmission equipment. However, the rising incidents of theft and vandalism are impeding this progress.
“We are working tirelessly to improve service quality nationwide, but these acts of sabotage are setting us back,” Adebayo stated.
The disruptions, according to ALTON, affect banking, emergency services, healthcare, and national security, making this a national security threat.
It stated that items stolen from telecom sites, including power cables, batteries, solar panels, and diesel generators, are being resold, fueling criminal activity.
ALTON urged the public to avoid buying suspicious items, warning that doing so makes them accomplices in crime.
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ALTON appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to immediately deploy security measures to protect telecom infrastructure and prevent a complete breakdown of communications services.
While noting that the crisis is beyond what telecom operators can handle alone, the association called for a coordinated nationwide action from security agencies, the government at all levels, regulators, the media, civil society, and the public, adding that “Our economic stability, national security, and digital future depend on it.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
