Rising spate of cable theft in Nigeria: Whose fault?

While cable theft might seem like a localised issue affecting the telecom industry, its repercussions extend far beyond severed wires and interrupted services.

The pilfering of telecom cables, often for their valuable copper components, has become an all-too-common occurrence, leading to service disruptions, financial losses, and even jeopardising public safety during critical moments.

The economic costs associated with cable theft are staggering. In 2022, mobile network operators spent more than N13 billion repairing damage to fibre cuts and other telecommunication infrastructure. By 2023, this expenditure had surged to N27 billion.

Additionally, telecommunications sector operators experienced revenue declines totalling N12 billion in both 2022 and 2023, primarily attributed to expenses related to customer compensation, site relocations, and investments in fibre resilience.

Furthermore, cable theft has a ripple effect on national economies. In an increasingly interconnected world reliant on seamless communication, any disruption in telecom services can impede productivity, disrupt supply chains, and dampen economic growth.

The blame game surrounding cable theft inevitably leads us to scrutinise the preparedness and responsibility of telecom companies, whose infrastructure forms the primary target for thieves.

One of the fundamental issues highlighted is the vulnerability of telecom infrastructure due to inadequate physical security measures. Many telecom cables are laid underground or strung along utility poles, making them accessible to determined thieves. The absence of robust barriers, alarms, or surveillance systems in vulnerable areas increases the risk of unauthorised access and theft.

Moreover, the scale of telecom networks spanning vast geographical areas poses logistical challenges in monitoring and securing every inch of cable infrastructure effectively. Maintaining round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response capabilities across sprawling networks requires substantial investments in manpower and technology, which some telecom companies may deem cost-prohibitive.

Another issue is that while law enforcement agencies are tasked with maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, their effectiveness in combating cable theft has often been called into question.

One of the primary challenges faced by law enforcement agencies is the nature of cable theft operations. Unlike conventional crimes that may occur in plain sight or leave tangible evidence, cable theft often takes place in remote or unmonitored locations, most times, making detection and apprehension of perpetrators difficult.

The transitory nature of cable theft exploiting legal loopholes further complicates law enforcement efforts. Coordinating investigations, sharing intelligence, and conducting seamless cross-border operations require robust collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies at local and regional levels.

Moreover, scrutinising the loss incurred in cable theft, the prioritisation of law enforcement resources towards high-profile crimes or immediate public safety concerns should not relegate cable theft investigations to lower priority status.

Also, the complex and time-consuming nature of gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and building cases against organised theft rings may not always align with the swift responses expected in more visible criminal activities.

Another critical issue is the lack of specialised training and expertise within law enforcement agencies specifically tailored to combatting cable theft.

Also, the role of government emerges as a critical factor in addressing this pervasive problem when examining the blame game surrounding cable theft. Governments, through regulatory frameworks, law enforcement support, and infrastructure protection initiatives, wield significant influence in shaping the landscape for combating cable theft and safeguarding critical telecom infrastructure.

Again, while theft of telecom cables constitutes a significant economic crime with wide-ranging impacts, the absence of stringent laws and penalties tailored to deter such offences undermines efforts to curb theft activities effectively.

Government agencies responsible for telecommunications oversight and infrastructure protection must collaborate closely with law enforcement counterparts to develop targeted strategies, share intelligence, and deploy resources effectively in combating cable theft. This collaborative approach can bridge gaps between regulatory compliance and law enforcement action, ensuring a more comprehensive response to the cable theft menace.

Investments in technological solutions and innovation are also areas where governments can significantly contribute to mitigating cable theft risks. Supporting research and development efforts for tamper-proof cable designs, advanced surveillance systems, and data analytics tools can provide valuable tools for both industry stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in combating theft incidents.

Beyond regulatory and enforcement aspects, governments must also prioritise public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives to mobilise citizen participation in reporting suspicious activities and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Empowering communities with knowledge about the impacts of cable theft and the importance of reporting incidents can create a collective vigilance that complements formal security measures. While creating awareness, a significant emphasis must be placed on the penalty for cable theft.

The blame game among telecom companies, law enforcement agencies, and governments must give way to collaborative strategies that address the root causes and consequences of cable theft comprehensively.

To achieve lasting peace regarding the issue, it is crucial to address the aforementioned problems comprehensively while also giving due consideration to the recommendations provided because the high cost of cable theft underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and shared responsibility. The time for decisive and collaborative action against cable theft is now, and only through concerted efforts can we effectively combat this persistent threat.

Shuaib S. Agaka, a tech journalist, resides in Kano