Abuja, Nigeria – Telecommunications operators recorded a dramatic surge in fibre optic cable damage in January 2026, with incidents rising by 900 percent compared to the previous month, according to Nigerian Communications Commission data.
Okay News reports that fibre cuts increased from four cases in December to 40 incidents in January. Another 18 incidents have been recorded in February, bringing total disruptions to 58 within seven weeks. About 90 percent occurred in Abuja, with others in Lagos, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, and Abia states. Affected operators include MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and others.
The spike comes despite the government’s 2024 designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure, making wilful destruction a criminal offence. In August 2024, President Tinubu signed an order to protect these assets. However, a similar 2020 directive failed to stop daily vandalism.
The NCC and security agencies recently threatened to prosecute construction firms and individuals responsible for fibre damage during road works, warning that unauthorised excavation now carries legal consequences. Despite this warning, incidents continue.
Telecom operators lost an estimated N5 billion in Lagos alone last year due to over 2,500 fibre cuts, with Ikeja, Lekki, and Victoria Island most affected. Industry leaders say lack of prosecution has created a culture of impunity, with offenders facing no consequences for damaging public infrastructure.
Without accountability, these fibre cuts will continue disrupting digital connectivity and economic activity. The government must move from warnings to actual prosecutions to protect critical infrastructure.
