Community representatives from Kano, Bauchi and Jigawa states have called for greater community involvement in protecting telecommunications infrastructure to curb 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, Jigawa State.

Participants at the meeting came from communities in Rano, Kano State; Itas and Jama’are, Bauchi State; and Madobi, Kudai and Kiyawa in Jigawa State.

Speaking at the event, CITAD Executive Director, Malam Y.Z. Yau, said efforts to protect telecommunications infrastructure should be closely linked to the development and well-being of host communities.

He stressed the need for telecommunications companies to engage residents before deploying infrastructure, noting that communities are more likely to protect facilities when they understand their benefits.

“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.

According to him, research findings indicate that vandalism, including fiber cuts, is often linked to inadequate community sensitisation and limited local involvement in deployment processes. He added that online complaint mechanisms could help address threats to infrastructure and improve network reliability.

Participants also recommended awareness campaigns targeting youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders. They further called for stronger collaboration between telecom operators and host communities, improved reporting channels for suspicious activities, and the involvement of local security groups such as vigilantes and hunters.

Some stakeholders urged telecommunications companies to invest in community development projects and create employment opportunities for residents as part of efforts to strengthen local support for critical infrastructure.