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New data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that 155,397 fibre-cut incidents were recorded between April and May 2026, representing the highest level of network disruption since the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
According to the NCC’s Quality of Experience (QoE) report, the figure marks a 2,428% increase compared to the first quarter of 2026, highlighting mounting pressure on telecommunications operators to maintain reliable network availability.
The surge comes despite the Federal Government’s designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)—a status intended to strengthen legal protection for critical assets and deter acts of vandalism. However, deliberate sabotage, road construction activities, accidental fibre cuts and environmental factors continue to disrupt network operations nationwide.
Fibre cuts rise month-on-month
The report showed that fibre-cut incidents increased from 74,276 cases in April to 79,121 in May, reflecting a 6.5% month-on-month increase.
The NCC attributed the disruptions to several factors, with deliberate vandalism accounting for more than 54,000 incidents, making it the leading cause of network outages despite existing legal sanctions.
Infrastructure deterioration caused by ageing equipment and general wear accounted for approximately 40,000 incidents, while hardware failures and technical faults contributed about 30,100 cable and converter-related disruptions.
Road construction and other civil engineering activities resulted in around 14,600 fibre cuts, as excavation works frequently damaged underground telecommunications infrastructure. In addition, adverse environmental conditions classified as force majeure were responsible for another 3,161 incidents.
Equipment theft compounds network challenges
Beyond fibre damage, telecommunications operators are also contending with increased theft of network equipment and restricted access to critical infrastructure sites.
Data from the report indicated that operators recorded 675 cases of equipment theft across base stations during the review period. Stolen assets included backup batteries, cables and power generators, while nearly 300 incidents of diesel diversion affected off-grid base stations that rely on fuel-powered generators.
Operators also experienced 4,319 cases where engineers were prevented from accessing telecommunications sites for maintenance and refuelling.
According to the report, approximately 74% of these access restrictions were linked to growing security concerns across parts of the country, while the remaining incidents resulted from community-related disputes, conflicts with landlords and enforcement actions by local authorities.
Industry raises concerns over persistent vandalism
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, noted that the existence of a market for stolen telecommunications equipment continues to fuel infrastructure vandalism, making it increasingly difficult for operators to protect critical assets.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, construction companies, security organisations and local communities to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure and reduce service disruptions.
Impact on businesses and consumers
The growing number of fibre cuts continues to affect businesses and consumers that rely on stable digital connectivity.
Network disruptions can result in dropped voice calls, slower internet speeds and interruptions to digital financial services, including electronic payments and point-of-sale (POS) transactions.
In commercial centres such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, a single fibre cut can disrupt banking services, interrupt business operations and cause significant financial losses for enterprises that depend on uninterrupted digital connectivity.
As Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, stakeholders say protecting telecommunications infrastructure will remain essential to sustaining digital services, supporting innovation and strengthening confidence in the country’s growing digital ecosystem.
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