Trending 
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urgently called for intervention from the government and security forces as a surge in vandalism and theft aimed at critical infrastructure risks disrupting services across the country.
Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of ALTON, said in a press release on Thursday that the increase in attacks on telecommunications facilities could result in a nationwide network collapse if not promptly addressed.
“We are working tirelessly to improve service quality nationwide, but these acts of sabotage are setting us back”, the telecom executive said.
From May to July 2025, numerous instances of vandalism were reported at telecom cell sites in Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Kogi, Ekiti, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Operators have reported that these targeted assaults have resulted in service disruptions, prolonged network outages, and significant congestion, leaving millions of Nigerians without reliable connectivity.
ALTON noted that the telecommunications sector is currently experiencing its most extensive infrastructure growth in recent years. Operators are upgrading transmission equipment, revamping power systems, and installing thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cables to enhance coverage and increase capacity. However, this advancement is being hindered by the increasing instances of theft and vandalism.
“When these components are stolen or vandalised, it is not only phone calls and data that are affected. Our banking systems, emergency services, healthcare, education, and national security platforms are all compromised,” the operators said.
The association disclosed that criminals are focusing on vital telecom components, such as power cables, rectifiers, fibre optic cables, feeder cables, diesel generators, batteries, and solar panels.
ALTON emphasised that these items are not merely ordinary materials; they form the foundation of Nigeria’s communication network, security systems, and digital economy.
