Mobile Network Services May Soon Get Worse

Mobile Network Services May Soon Get Worse – Telcos
Telcos say sabotage is reversing recent upgrades and investments
Urges government to secure telecom facilities before services collapse

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have raised alarm over worsening network performance, blaming rampant vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the telcos warned that network services may deteriorate further unless security agencies urgently intervene.

According to ALTON, theft and sabotage of telecom installations between May and July 2025 have crippled operations in states including Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Imo, Lagos, Kogi, and the FCT. Vandals have targeted power cables, fibre optics, rectifiers, diesel generators, and solar systems, leading to widespread outages and blackouts.

“After recent investments to boost capacity and service quality, we’re now battling criminals who openly steal and resell our infrastructure,” a senior telco official told Vanguard. “If urgent action isn’t taken, service quality will only get worse.”

In a statement signed by ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and Publicity Secretary, Damian Udeh, the group stressed that despite the federal government’s earlier intervention in the sector, sabotage is threatening its sustainability.

“Our members have deployed new systems, upgraded transmission equipment, and laid thousands of kilometres of fibre. But the sabotage is undermining everything,” the statement read.

ALTON also flagged road construction activities as another major cause of service disruption, citing damages to underground fibre cables during highway and urban development works.

Calling the situation “desperate and urgent,” ALTON appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the IGP, DSS, and NSCDC to protect telecom assets. They urged all stakeholders — including federal, state, and local governments — to act swiftly.

“Telecom infrastructure powers banking, security, education, health, and emergency services. An attack on it is an attack on our national security and economy,” ALTON said.