Communities In Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa Call For Protection Of Telecom Infrastructure

Representatives of several communities in Kano, Bauchi and Jigawa states have called for greater community participation in protecting telecommunications infrastructure to reduce vandalism and improve network services.

The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

Participants at the meeting included representatives from Rano in Kano State, Itas and Jama’are in Bauchi State, as well as Madobi, Kudai and Kiyawa communities in Jigawa State.

The stakeholders expressed concern over recurring incidents of vandalism targeting telecommunications facilities, noting that such acts often result in poor network coverage, service disruptions and economic losses for residents and businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of CITAD, Malam Y.Z. Yau, stressed the importance of linking the protection of telecommunications infrastructure to the development and welfare of host communities.

According to him, telecommunications companies should engage local communities before deploying infrastructure to ensure that residents understand the purpose, benefits and importance of the facilities.

He explained that when communities are properly informed and involved, they are more likely to take ownership of the infrastructure and assist in safeguarding it against vandalism and other threats.

“Communities need to understand why these facilities are being deployed and the benefits they stand to gain. This kind of engagement is still limited in many parts of the country,” Yau said.

He noted that insufficient community engagement has contributed to persistent challenges facing telecommunications infrastructure in several locations across Nigeria.

Yau also highlighted the role of technology in addressing the problem, suggesting that online complaint and reporting mechanisms could help identify threats to telecom facilities and improve response times by relevant authorities.

According to him, research conducted by CITAD revealed that telecommunications infrastructure, particularly fibre optic networks, frequently suffers damage due to vandalism, accidental destruction and inadequate public awareness.

He explained that some communities are not sufficiently sensitised about the value of the facilities being installed in their areas, making them less likely to protect them.

Participants at the meeting called for stronger partnerships between telecommunications operators, local leaders and residents to enhance infrastructure security and improve service delivery.

They argued that improved community engagement, public education and prompt reporting of suspicious activities would help reduce vandalism, strengthen network reliability and support digital connectivity across rural and urban communities.