(SINL NIGERIA) The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to curb vandalism of electricity infrastructure through a sensitization campaign held in Lambata Community, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The awareness programme, which focused on the dangers of vandalizing transmission facilities and encroaching on transmission line right-of-way corridors, forms part of TCN’s broader strategy to safeguard critical power infrastructure and ensure a more reliable bulk electricity supply across the country.
Speaking during the event, the General Manager, Transmission, Engr. Musa Shuaibu, said the campaign became necessary due to the increasing rate of attacks on transmission installations, describing the trend as unprecedented in the history of transmission line vandalism.
Shuaibu commended traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, stressing that acts of vandalism have continued to undermine efforts to improve electricity supply nationwide.
According to him, vandals often dispose of stolen transmission components for insignificant amounts of money, while their actions leave entire communities without electricity for extended periods.
He noted that prolonged power outages could severely affect critical services, especially healthcare facilities that depend on stable electricity for operations.
“The destruction of transmission facilities not only disrupts power supply but also slows the growth of Nigeria’s power sector, as funds meant for network expansion and new projects are redirected towards replacing damaged infrastructure,” he said.
He further warned that vandalism can be fatal, as perpetrators risk electrocution while attempting to tamper with energized facilities.
Also speaking, a representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, DSE Adah Ngbede, warned that anyone caught vandalizing power installations would face the full weight of the law.
He emphasized the importance of protecting TCN infrastructure, declaring that reliable electricity supply depends on the safety of transmission facilities.
“Without TCN, there can be no light,” he stated.
The District Head of Izom, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Salihu, who addressed participants in Hausa, urged community members to support TCN’s efforts by taking ownership of the transmission infrastructure located within their communities.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to prevent criminal activities around power installations.
Similarly, the representative of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Galadima Edward, encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious movements around transmission towers and other electricity facilities.
He assured the community of the police’s readiness to act on credible intelligence and collaborate with other security agencies to prevent acts of sabotage.
TCN said the campaign aims to educate residents on the dangers and economic consequences of vandalizing electricity infrastructure while promoting community participation in protecting national assets.
The sensitization exercise will continue through stakeholder engagements, awareness programmes and sustained advocacy aimed at securing transmission facilities for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The event attracted representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Vigilante Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Road Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA), traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the media.
