Telecom operators in Nigeria have faced 445 cases of vandalism since May 2025, according to the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
This is a sharp rise from two to five attacks daily, causing major network outages nationwide.
The damage has disrupted voice calls, internet, SMS, and USSD services across all major networks.
“These attacks are getting more aggressive,” said ALTON President, Gbenga Adebayo. “In many cases, vandals confront engineers directly and demand ransom before returning stolen cables.”
States hit hardest include Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, and the FCT. May recorded 88 outages, followed by 71 in June and 27 in July. While the drop is notable, threats remain active.
Operators also face challenges from local communities. In some areas, residents block repairs unless they are compensated, leading to delays and higher costs.
To address this, the government issued the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order in June. It classifies telecom networks as essential infrastructure, making deliberate damage a criminal act.
Enforcement falls under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Police, DSS, and NSCDC.
However, industry leaders say results have been limited. Despite hundreds of attacks, there have been no arrests or prosecutions. The NCC has not commented.
Adebayo urged citizens to help protect telecom assets. “These assets power our banks, emergency services, education, healthcare, and national security,” he said. “Damaging them is an attack on our economy and our future.”
